Hun Manet was appointed Cambodia’s new leader by the king on Monday, after having effectively been given the post by his father Hun Sen, who ruled for nearly four decades. While there are few expectations Hun Manet will chart a more liberal path than his father, despite being educated in England and the United States, Associate Professor Sophal said it is still good news for Cambodia to usher in a new leader and a younger Cabinet with more international exposure. He tells CNA’s Asia First the appointment could mean closer ties with the US, with Hun Manet’s recent engagements with the West seen as trying to change the perception of Cambodia being too friendly with China.