By Michelle Fitzpatrick
If Manet is to rise to the top, he may have to wait a long time — his father has vowed to stay in power until he is 90.
PHNOM PENH, Sunday 20 February 2011 (AFP) — When Hun Manet was promoted to a two-star general last month, Cambodia’s premier had to defend his eldest son’s rapid rise, dismissing claims it was an attempt to engineer an eventual succession.
One expert even drew parallels with dynastic plans in secretive North Korea, where communist ruler Kim Jong-Il has seemingly hand picked son Kim Jong-Un to take over the reigns of power.
Thai-Cambodian border clashes, the heaviest in years between the neighbours, have boosted 33-year-old Manet’s military credentials, observers say, a small victory for Prime Minister Hun Sen as the row with Thailand rumbles on.
Described as “a pretty humble guy” by a Phnom Penh-based diplomat who has met Manet on several occasions, the first-born of Hun Sen’s six children does not seek out the spotlight.
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