Hun Manith, the second son of Prime Minister Hun Sen, has been appointed the new head of intelligence at the Ministry of Defense.
The promotion consolidates more power under the family of Hun Sen. Hun Manith, 35, is already a deputy prime minister and the vice president of two important councils, one to resolve land conflicts and one to bargain with labor unions.
Ou Virak, head of the think tank Future Forum, told VOA Khmer that such a promotion is not uncommon in Cambodian politics these days, but that Hun Manith lacks the experience for the position. “It is because he is the son of the prime minister,” Ou Virak said.
Hun Manith could not be reached for comment.
Thida Khus, executive director of the development organization Silaka, said that such promotions signify a lack of trust from leaders. “It causes discouragement and de-motivation and also reflects management weakness,” she said.
Hun Sen has two more sons who hold government positions: Hun Manet, deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Army and commander of the National Counter-Terrorism Special Forces; and Hun Many, who is a provincial lawmaker.
