More four-star generals added to RCAF’s top-heavy ranks
The number of four-star generals in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) grew Thursday as 29 former lieutenant generals were promoted at a ceremony in Phnom Penh presided over by Defense Minister Tea Banh, who last month underlined the army’s role as defender of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government. Reporters were not permitted to attend the event but television crews were allowed to broadcast the ceremony as one secretary of state, 10 undersecretaries of state, and 18 RCAF deputy commanders-in-chief received their promotions at the Ministry of Defense. … Newly promoted Lieutenant General Nem Sowath, director general of the Defense Ministry’s department of policy and foreign affairs, said there was no space to accommodate reporters, stressing the significance of the ceremony for those who he said had dedicated their lives to their country. “Receiving the advanced rank credits our work in serving the country for a long time, some of us for 30 or 40 years already,” he said, adding that he became a soldier on February 5, 1979—35 years ago this month. Cambodia’s armed forces have been criticized as already being bloated with far too many generals in a country long at peace. … “We cannot compare the number of generals or promotions with other countries, as this situation is unique to Cambodia,” said [Defense Ministry spokesman] Gen. [Chhum Sucheat], without explaining. …
Khy Sovuthy
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/more-four-star-generals-added-to-rcafs-top-heavy-ranks-52240/
