Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has revealed the list of individuals expected to be part of the new cabinet as the power transition in the country progresses. The list includes several sons and daughters of close allies and serving ministers. Hun Sen, who has been in power for almost four decades, is gradually handing over power to his son, Hun Manet, after their Cambodian People’s Party won an election last month in which the main opposition was excluded.
The 71-year-old prime minister announced approximately 50 people for his son’s cabinet, many of whom are directly related to ministers and senior officials in his administration. While he did not specify the positions they would hold, the new prime minister and cabinet are set to be approved by the rubber-stamp parliament on August 22.
Among the expected members of the new cabinet are Cham Nimul, the daughter of industry minister Cham Prasidh, Sar Sokha, the son of interior minister Sar Kheng, and Tea Seiha, the son of defense minister Tea Banh.
Although Hun Sen is stepping down as prime minister, he will remain involved in the government. He has stated that he will become the head of the upper house Senate, serving as acting head of state when the king is away, and leading the ruling party. Additionally, he recently mentioned that he would reassume the role of prime minister if his son does not perform well.
Hun Manet, who received his education in the West, has not shared much about his vision for Cambodia. Under his father’s leadership, Cambodia advanced to become a lower middle-income country, according to the World Bank. However, critics argue that this progress came at the cost of trampled human rights. The government of Hun Sen has consistently denied allegations of rights abuses, corruption, and nepotism.
In recent news, Hun Sen also announced the appointment of Khuon Sodary as the president of the National Assembly, making her the first woman to hold this position.
While the power transition in Cambodia moves forward, the involvement of close allies’ family members in the new cabinet has raised concerns about nepotism and the consolidation of power. It remains to be seen how Hun Manet will shape the country’s future and address these challenges.
