Familiar feel to shuffle
Ten of the Kingdom’s 24 ministerial positions are set to be reshuffled at the launch of the new government, according to an internal party memo obtained yesterday.
Among those tapped for a cabinet position is Say Sam El – the 34-year-old son of Senate deputy president Say Chhum and one of six ruling party scions who failed to win a seat at the National Assembly. Sam El is set to become the new minister of environment.
But while Sam El represents a much-touted push for new blood, many of those taking the helm are long-serving secretaries of state, and at least three already head other ministries.
Social Affairs Minister Ith Sam Heng will switch positions with Minister of Labour Vong Sauth. Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh will be moved to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. He, in turn, will be replaced by Council for the Development of Cambodia vice chairman Sun Chan Thol.
In other changes, Aun Ponmoniroth will become the new minister of finance; Ouk Rabun will take over the Ministry of Agriculture; Prak Sokhon has been tapped to head the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; Phoeung Leakhana will lead the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts; and Hang Chuon Naron will lead the Ministry of Education. …
Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said he was unable to comment on the document as it did not bear a signature and hence was not official. …
Vong Sokheng
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/familiar-feel-shuffle
