Hun Sen wants 10 more years in power
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed yesterday to rule for another 10 years, and raised the possibility the main opposition party could be banned from contesting next year’s general election.
Hun Sen said the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) could be barred if it does not replace its leader,
Kem Sokha, who has been charged with treason.
The CNRP i nsisted it will not replace Kem Sokha and said the premier’s comments reinforced its fears that Hun Sen plans to cripple it before the election.
“They have to appoint an acting president,” government spokesman Phay Siphan said. “If they don’t comply with the law, they will have no right to political activity. It’s their choice, not mine.”
Hun Sen, whose 32 years in power is the longest in Asia, said yesterday he will contest two more terms.
“After witnessing the treasonous acts of some Cambodians in recent days, I have decided to continue in my job for another 10 years,’’ the 65-year-old said.
In 2007, he said he wanted to retire at age 90, but backtracked on this claim in 2015.
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed yesterday to stay in office for another decade following the dramatic arrest of the country’s main opposition leader for treason.
Hun Sen, 65, has held power for 32 years, making him one of the world’s longestserving leaders. But he faces a key test at national polls in 2018 with the main opposition party gaining in popularity as anger mounts over corruption, inequality and rights abuses.
His opponents, as well as NGOs and the critical press, have increasingly been smothered by court cases and threats in recent months while Hun Sen has vowed violence if he loses power.
On Tuesday the country’s most prominent opposition leader, Kem Sokha, was charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with unnamed foreigners to topple the government.
Kem Sokha’s Cambodia National Rescue Party had been widely tipped to perform strongly in the 2018 polls, buoyed by the youth vote in a country where many are tired of Hun Sen’s rule.
In a characteristically bombastic speech yesterday, Hun Sen spoke at length about the alleged treason plot and said he had no intention of leaving politics any time soon.
“After seeing the painful event of treason committed by Khmer nationals who have been arrested — and there may be more arrests — I have decided to continue my work for at least 10 years more,” he said during a speech to more than 10,000 garment workers in Phnom Penh.
“Please, foreigners, don’t be jealous with me, I am the longest serving prime minister in the world,” he added.
That boast is incorrect. Seven leaders have been in power longer than Hun Sen. President Paul Biya of Cameroon is the longest serving, at 42 years.