Three of eight newly-appointed Cambodian ambassadors that are leaving in January for their posts abroad met with National Assembly and CPP Honorary President Heng Samrin on Tuesday, according to Heng Samrin’s Chief of Cabinet Koam Kosal.
Ambassador to Indonesia Khan Pharith, Ambassador to Belgium Hem Sa Em, and Ambassador to Japan Hor Moniroath met with Heng Samrin to discuss their duties abroad, Koam Kosal said by telephone Wednesday.
“Samdech [Heng Samrin] told the ambassadors that they must respond promptly to any defamation against Cambodia especially related to the [Thai] invasion, and the ambassadors must inform that Cambodia is a democratic country,” Koam Kosal said.
Last month, Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong named eight new ambassadors, including his son Hor Moniroath, an appointment that drew criticism from the SRP, who questioned the government’s transparency in the appointment of senior civil servants.
Another of Hor Namhong’s sons, Hor Nambora, is currently serving as Cambodia’s ambassador to Britain, making Hor Moniroath’s appointment the second top diplomatic posting in the minister’s family.
SRP lawmaker Cheam Channy said by telephone Wednesday that appointing two of Hor Namhong’s sons as ambassadors sent the wrong message to other public servants.
“There are many qualified Cambodians who can serve in the ambassador positions,” he said.
CPP lawmaker Cheam Yeap defended the appointments, saying they are qualified and have the experience for the positions.
“It was not nepotism, they have been appointed based on their qualifications and experience,” Cheam Yeap said.
