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Hun Sen Tempers Speculation Son Will Be Next Cambodian Leader

Luke Hunt

   PHNOM PENH - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has groomed his eldest
   son as a potential successor ever since that son, Hun Manet, graduated
   from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point almost 20 years ago, and
   is confidently predicting his ruling Cambodian People's Party will
   remain in power for another 100 years.
   Analysts say, though, that that rise is far from certain and Lieutenant
   General Hun Manet -- who also heads the army -- will have to negotiate
   the CPP politburo, factionalism, a fickle public and China to win
   enough support to govern this one-party state.
   Even Hun Sen, the region's longest-serving leader, has tempered recent
   speculation that the top job was his son's for the taking, saying there
   were many capable candidates who could contest any future leadership
   bid.
   "It depends on people's voices. The first concern is whether the party
   would accept him. The second is the general elections," he said in a
   speech after the latest bout of leadership speculation.
   "I will support and educate him to unleash his fullest potential."

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