Four Funcinpec party members were removed from their government posts and five -including one of those removed- were appointed to new posts by a royal decree dated Saturday, according to a copy of the document.
Funcinpec President Keo Puth Rasmey confirmed both the removals and appointments yesterday.
Those removed included government advisors Ang Sor Sdey and Tan Vuthchea, Culture and Fine Arts Ministry Undersecretary of State Say Mongkul, and State Secretariat for Civil Aviation undersecretary of state Bin Bora.
The sub-decree also appointed Mr Sor Sdey to the position of undersecretary of state at the State Secretariat for Civil Aviation, Toch Saru to undersecretary of state at the Culture and Fine Arts Ministry, Hak Savuth as an advisor to the Defense Ministry, and Thaing Vanndarong and Y Chhoeun as government advisors with unspecified portfolios.
Tith Sothea, spokesman for the Council of Ministers’ quick reaction unit, said he did not know the reason for the removals, but attributed the new appointments to the need for experienced officials in government and the government’s reform policy.
“The government needs more experienced officers to join with the government to develop the country,” he said.
Mr Savuth, the new Defense Ministry advisor, said yesterday that he had not been informed of his appointment as he was currently in hospital.
“I am happy with it,” he said of the news.
Defense Ministry spokesman Chhum Sucheat said Mr Savuth would serve specifically as an advisor to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Mr Sucheat added that the Defense Ministry had many such advisors but could not recall exactly how many.
