(Preah Vihear): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said that as the president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, he retains the authority to consult with the prime minister regarding appointments.

Samdech Techo spoke on Thursday (Jun. 26) during his meeting with citizens who had fled from the tense Cambodia–Thailand border areas in Preah Vihear province.

“As I have mentioned, I am the one who appoints the military leaders. I organize everything. In my capacity as leader of the ruling party, I have the right to coordinate with the prime minister. Previously, I was both prime minister and party president. I handled everything. But now, the power of appointment lies with the prime minister, though it is done in consultation with the president of the ruling party,” Samdech Techo underscored.

Samdech Techo continued, “Even the nomination of a prime minister is proposed by the president of the ruling party, that is me. The Constitution requires it to be so. Therefore, there is no reason for me to assume the role of commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also recalled how he was awarded his five-star military insignia. From 2007 to 2025, which is 18 years. The king had granted him the honorary rank of five-star military insignia, not as a ceremonial soldier but as a battlefield commander. He noted that he had been wounded five times and entered battle 105 times, urging people not to be confused or misled.

He added that from military strategy to battlefield tactics, his journey spans from being a common soldier to becoming the nation’s leader. In that regard, he is recognised as the world’s longest-serving prime minister.
=FRESH NEWS