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| "Even Japan has its own dynasty, like (former prime minister) Abe. His grandfather was prime minister and he had visited Cambodia. Abe's father was a foreign minister and Abe was a prime minister," Hun Sen said. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, expressed support for his eldest son Hun Manet, right, as his potential successor (File photo by= Reuters) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders after 36 years in power, on Thursday (Dec 2) offered support for his eldest son as his potential successor, a move the main opposition leader compared to North Korea.
Hun Sen, who has presided over a broad crackdown on the opposition, civil society and the media that began in the run-up to the 2018 elections, has in the past said he planned to rule until he felt he should stop. His son, Hun Manet, 44, a deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and joint chief of staff, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and holds a doctorate in economics from Britain's University of Bristol. "I announce today that I support my son to continue as prime minister, but it is through an election," Hun Sen said in a speech in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk. Hun Sen defended the idea of establishing a political dynasty.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Hun Sen's determination to promote Hun Manet reflected his fear of losing impunity when he can no longer lead the country, and Hun Manet's mission would be to protect his father.
