A new phase in Cambodian politics

In this, a Hun Sen quality that is often missed in the media, a well kept secret, is that for several years now Hun Sen has been able to nurture and surround himself with a group of young officials who are all well educated, committed, competent and hardworking. They prepare papers, head committees, negotiate with foreign governments and organisations and provide leadership. Several are heading major institutions and ministries. Some will gradually move to cabinet. If Hun Sen had his way, he would accelerate the process.

Challenges lie ahead for the new CPP government. One-third of the population still live below the poverty level in a country that will have oil on-stream in 2011. More youths are entering the employment market and these are potential opposition voters if they continue to remain unemployed. These are perennial challenges.

The two major challenges the CPP cabinet will have to employ all their talents and their collective. This is to address the endemic corruption and to enhance good governance. In particular, there is growing demand from the Cambodian people themselves for the tabling of a comprehensive Anti-Corruption Bill. When the bill is passed in Parliament it would be a significant start and another reason to celebrate.

In the meantime, Cambodia remains the unsung success story of ASEAN.