US-trained Gen. Hun Manet secures Cambodian king's nod for PM

Cambodia's king has approved the nomination of the eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen to become the next premier, according to a decree published on Monday.
Hun Manet, son of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen is seen at a polling station on the day of Cambodia's general election, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 23, 2023.
Hun Manet, son of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen is seen at a polling station on the day of Cambodia's general election, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 23, 2023. REUTERS/Cindy Liu/File Photo
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By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) -Cambodia's king has approved the nomination the eldest son of Prime Minister Hun Sen to become the next premier, according to a decree published on Monday, confirming a long-awaited transition of power.

The decree endorsing Western-educated army general Hun Manet, 45, was shared on the Telegram channel of his father and signals the imminent end of the former Khmer Rouge guerrilla's nearly four decades at the helm of a country rebounding from decades of war and poverty.

The appointment requires the approval of the newly elected National Assembly, expected later this month, following the huge win by the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) in last month's election, where it won 120 of 125 parliamentary seats.

FILE PHOTO: This combination photo shows Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son Hun Manet during election campaign rallies in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 1, 2023 and July 21, 2023 respectively.
FILE PHOTO: This combination photo shows Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son Hun Manet during election campaign rallies in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 1, 2023 and July 21, 2023 respectively. REUTERS/Cindy Liu/File Photo

Hun Manet, 45, was educated in the United States and Britain, where has received a master decree and doctorate respectively, both in economics.

He is also a graduate of the prestigious West Point military academy in the United States and has served as Cambodia's deputy armed forces commander-in-chief.

Hun Manet has said little of his vision for the country. He won a seat in the capital, Phnom Penh, in the election.

(Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Robert Birsel)

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