Cambodian leader Hun Sen’s eldest son has officially promoted to the rank of four-star general on Thursday (Apr 20). Another sign of plans for him to succeed his father.
Hun Sen has publicly backed Hun Manet to lead the kingdom in the future
Hun Manet, who is commander of the army, received the four-star rank at a ceremony. This was attended by more than 1,000 senior military officials.
Defence minister Tea Banh, who presided over the ceremony, said Hun Manet’s promotion reflected his efforts . “to serve the nation, military and Cambodian people”.
Hun Manet – who was educated in Britain and the United States – has been officially backed by the ruling party as a future prime minister. And has been active on social media in recent months to increase his public profile.
The 45-year-old has also had more diplomatic meetings with senior political figures than before. According to the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index.
In 2022, he met 10 world leaders, deputy leaders and foreign ministers, compared with only two in 2019, the institute said.
Hun Sen, who has ruled the country for 38 years, has repeatedly hinted at stepping down. But has said he will run for office again in the coming election.
The prime minister used the courts to stifle opposition, frequently characterising his children’s achievements. As the product of education and training and rejects claims of nepotism.
At the last general election in 2018, Hun Sen’s party won every seat in parliament after the Supreme Court dissolved the main opposition
A court last month found Kem Sokha, a co-founder of the CNRP, guilty of conspiring with foreign entities to overthrow Hun Sen’s government
He was sentenced to 27 years in prison. Afterwards immediately placed under house arrest.