Cambodian PM Hun Sen backs son Hun Manet as successor, defends idea of political dynasty

The prime minister, in power for 36 years, announced his support for his son, who was educated in the US and Britain and is in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Hun Sen’s decision reflected his fear of losing impunity, adding that Cambodia was not North Korea

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Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen is seen with his son Hun Manet during a ceremony at a military base in Phnom Penh in 2009. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:30pm, 2 Dec 2021Updated: 7:34pm, 2 Dec 2021

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world’s longest serving leaders after 36 years in power, on Thursday 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 elections in 2018, 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.