Phnom Penh (FN), Mar. 21 - Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, clarified that Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng was not awarded the five-star rank because he is a civilian and does not hold a military position.

Samdech Techo presided over a ceremony conferring the five-star general rank on former Defence Minister Tea Banh and former Minister of Inspection Men Sam An on Friday (Mar. 21).

Samdech Techo Hun Sen explained, "There was a message questioning why Samdech Sar Kheng was not included. I responded that Samdech Sar Kheng is a civilian and does not hold a military rank."

He added that during 1997-1998, Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng himself once said that if he were to hold any rank, it should be no higher than a five-star rank, as military ranks were already inflated at the time.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen also warned against attempts to divide the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), stressing that anyone who tries to split the party is ultimately dividing themselves. "Do not attempt to divide the CPP," he said. "Those who seek to divide the party are only dividing themselves.

It should be noted that King Norodom Sihamoni issued royal decrees on 16 March 2025, promoting former Defense Minister Tea Banh and former Minister of Inspection Men Sam An to the prestigious five-star general rank in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The royal decrees recognize their contributions to Cambodia’s political stability, legal system development, and national unity.
=FRESH NEWS