Though CPP President Chea Sim’s health “is declining but not gravely worrying,” the ruling party’s honorary President, Heng Samrin, said Wednesday that nobody but himself and Prime Minister Hun Sen deserved to take the place of the ailing president if he can no longer fulfill his duties.
Officials have said Chea Sim’s ailing health prevented him from meeting with a visiting Vietnamese delegation last month, and questions were raised earlier this week over whether he would be able to meet with Burma’s visiting prime minister, Lieutenant General Soe Win, who arrives today.
“So far, there is nobody besides me and Prime Minister Hun Sen as candidates [for the CPP’s presidency], but it is up to the position of the permanent committee to decide,” Heng Samrin said.
He added, however, that despite suffering from heart illness, Chea Sim is “still fine” and able to lead the ruling party.
Chea Sim, 72, who is also president of the Senate, has traveled to Bangkok for medical checks several times over the past year—most notably a rushed visit ahead of the formation of the coalition government last June.
His presence has traditionally been regarded by political observers as a counter-weight to Hun Sen’s power within the CPP, and many have often speculated about a rift between those party members loyal to the president and those loyal to Hun Sen, the CPP’s deputy president.
CPP stalwart Sim Ka said Wednesday that it is “impolite” for members to discuss the future presidency of the party while Chea Sim is still at the helm.
But, the lawmaker said: “Unofficially, CPP leaders and officials are concerned about his health.”
Chea Sim is now often feverish, due to his chronic heart problem and suffers from joint dysfunction and a tumor in his neck, Sim Ka said. “So he is taking special care of himself,” he added.
If Chea Sim were no longer able to fulfill his position, his duties would automatically go to the CPP’s deputy president, Hun Sen, Sim Ka said.
As the acting president, Hun Sen would then be required to call a meeting of the CPP’s Central committee to elect a new president, he said. However, he added, the party’s internal regulations do not specify how much time is allowed before an election is called.
He declined to say which party leaders would be candidates for the position.
“All leaders are worried [about Chea Sim],” Sim Ka said.
“If something happens to Chea Sim, the CPP can have enough experience to handle the situation,” he said. “But we cannot think we lose him.”
