SEA Games opening role not for King, Hun Sen explains


King Norodom Sihamoni lights the SEA Games torch during a ceremony held at Angkor Wat on March 21. - HUN MANY via FB

PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/Asia News Network): Prime Minister Hun Sen has responded to commentators who have asked why King Norodom Sihamoni will not be opening the SEA Games on Friday (May 5), explaining that it is traditional that countries with a parliamentary system have always tasked the prime minister with the role.

“Some people asked why the king would not be opening the games. He was the one who lit the games’ torch before it began its regional relay. In Asean, there are only three countries where the head of state opens an event like the games,” he said.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Cambodia , SEA Games , opening , king

Next In Aseanplus News

Thailand and Cambodia agree to immediate ceasefire
N. Korea's Kim stresses shared bloodshed in New Year message to Putin
Woman killed, 26 injured in 50-vehicle expressway pile-up in Japan
Strong job market, wealth gains to underpin Singapore retail spending in 2026: Economists
Lively first day of MP registration in Bangkok as party leaders turn out in force
China sanctions 20 US firms over Taiwan arms sales
Indonesia grants Christmas remissions to over 16,000 prisoners, including graft convicts
Customs Dept seizes RM731,000 in contraband cigarettes and liquor in Sibu raid
Moderate earthquake hits southern Sumatra, no tsunami threat, says MetMalaysia
Agony as Jeju Air crash report delayed

Others Also Read