A youth group headed by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s youngest son has been chosen as the local winner of the Asean People’s Award, which will be given to one recipient from each Asean nation at the regional bloc’s annual summit in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong announced the win by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) during a ceremony at the ministry Monday, explaining that a committee of five officials had carefully scrutinized the applications of “many” entrants based upon the criteria outlined by the Malaysian government, which is administering the award.
Each of the 10 Asean nations will choose one person or group to receive the award, which is designed to recognize those “who have made outstanding contributions toward the creation of a united, prosperous and caring Asean community,” according to the Asean website. Awardees will all receive a cash prize of $10,000 and a trophy.
“On November 21, Malaysia will present the award, and at that time any person, civil society group or non-government organization who receives this award needs to make a presentation on their achievements,” Mr. Namhong announced to a crowd of about 25 UYFC members.
“This award is a credit not only to the UYFC, but to the reputation of our nation and all our people,” he added. “I admire UYFC and His Excellency Hun Many, president of this Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia.”
Mr. Many, a CPP lawmaker for Kompong Speu province, was joined at the ceremony by high-ranking UYFC members Dy Vichea, who is married to Mr. Hun Sen’s daughter Hun Mana, and Kim Rithy, the deputy governor of Kandal province and the son of Kun Kim, a Royal Cambodian Armed Forces deputy commander.
“On behalf of the family that is the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, I thank the Royal Government of Cambodia for always paying attention to the youth and giving them a chance to play a part in development and joining the nation’s events,” Mr. Many said, before clinking champagne glasses with Mr. Namhong in a toast.
Chum Sounry, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said that more than 20 candidates had been considered for the award.
