Hun Xen: Under this era, 5-star generals are reserved only for the three samdachs (aka operetta generals)

24 December 2009
By Meng Chhay
Cambodia Express News
Translated from Khmer by Komping Puoy

Phnom Penh – Today, prime minister Hun Xen openly warned all 4-star generals, telling all these generals not to eye the 5-golden-star topmost RCAF rank.

During the inauguration for the construction site of the largest fertilizer in Cambodia in the morning of 24 December, Hun Xen indicated that: “Don’t you seek 5-star at all. Under this era, there will be only 3 [people who will hold] the 5-star rank. This, I tell you in advance for the 4-star [generals], in case you want to ask for a 5-star promotion, don’t dream about it! Just because you saw your chief get a promotion, don’t you dare want the same promotion also. This is a special case!”

Along with his speech, Hun Xen added that he will wear his 5-star insignia the day he will wear his military uniform and when he will go to visit the troops along the border. Right now, Hun Xen’s uniform, which in past bore the 4-star insigniwa, has been modified to include the 5-star insignia already.

Hun Xen said that he will never forget his gratitude to King Norodom Sihamoni for granting him the topmost general ranking with 5 golden stars. The same promotion was also granted to Chea Xim and Heng Xamrin on 21 December 2009.