FORMER leader Hun Sen (pic) was promoted to senate president, taking over a key ceremonial role less than a year after handing power to his son.
Hun Sen stepped down in August after nearly four decades of iron-fisted rule, passing the baton to his eldest son Hun Manet following a landslide win in national polls held without any significant opposition parties.
In February, his ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) won 55 seats – including his own – out of 58 in the senate election, with the opposition Khmer Will Party taking the remainder.
Yesterday, senators unanimously voted to approve Hun Sen as president of the senate after King Norodom Sihamoni convened its first meeting. The position allows Hun Sen to act as acting head of state when the king is overseas.
Addressing the senators after the vote, Hun Sen thanked them for the “honour”.
“It is my first time to sit on such a high chair,” he said, saying that he would use the second-highest ceremonial role – only superseded by the king – to further Cambodia’s international diplomacy.There are 62 senators, with 58 elected in February by 125 MPs and more than 11,000 local administrators, mostly members of Hun Sen’s party.
King Norodom Sihamoni appoints two senators, while the National Assembly appoints two others. Analysts said Hun Sen’s new role would allow him to continue to dominate the country.
“The senate isn’t a powerful political or legislative body, but it holds the highest ceremonial role as the highest political symbol of the nation,” said Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak.
He said because of the king’s frequent travels, Hun Sen taking the role of senate president was significant and hugely symbolic. — AFP
