Original report from Washington
28 December 2009
The three top leaders of the Cambodian People’s Party were awarded military ranks as five-star generals last week, by order of the king.
Prime Minister Hun Sen, Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin all received their stars on Dec. 21, in a royal decree signed by King Norodom Sihamoni.
The newly conferred rank was based on national leadership achievements, according to a copy of the decree obtained by VOA Khmer.
Son Chhay, a lawmaker for the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, said by phone Wednesday Cambodia needs a law and a supreme military council to deal with such matters, although he acknowledged the king’s right to make promotions.
Kem Sokha, president of the opposition-aligned Human Rights Party, said the promotions were unnecessary. “Promotion should be balanced to figures of the army,” he said.
Cheam Yiep, a CPP lawmaker, said there was no need for further legislation on military ranks, as the king has the constitutional right to decide.
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