The appointment of a governor of Phnom Penh will have to wait at least another week.
Prince Norodom Ranariddh, due to return from a trip to France on Saturday, has postponed his return until Thursday, Funcinpec officials said Tuesday.
“We will defer the decision on all final candidates to our president,’’ Deputy Prime Minister Tol Lah said Tuesday.
First Deputy Governor Chea Sophara, a CPP-appointee, has been in charge since the new government was formed Nov 30.
The delay in filling the post is beginning to worry some party leaders. “It makes a very bad image to delay this appointment, so I hope the prince will act quickly,’’ Information Minister Lu Laysreng said Tuesday.
Finalists include Khek Vandy, the husband of Princess Norodom Bopha Devi and a lawmaker from Takeo province; Secretary of State for the Ministry of Defense Por Bun Sreu; former Funcinpec General Nhiek Bun Chhay; former Battambang province first deputy governor Serey Kosal; Chhoeng Chamroeun, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs; and Em Buth, a friend of the prince.
