Following a request from Prime Minister Hun Sen, King Norodom Sihamoni has approved the promotion of six high-ranking police officials to the rank of four-star general in the National Police, according to a Royal decree from late last month.

The National Police officials tapped for promotion include Ministry of Interior secretary of state Ouk Kimlek, deputy commissioner Sok Phal, deputy commissioner Moa Chandara, deputy commissioner Chan Ean, three-star general Mao Bunnarin and Interior Ministry spokesman Khieu Sopheak.

Phal yesterday expressed happiness over the news, but downplayed its significance. “I want to confirm that I have been in the police for 34 years,” he said. “This is not any special case.”

However, Yem Ponharith, spokesman for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, said the Cambodian military and police forces have too many generals as it is.

“Compared to the number of soldiers and police, it’s not proportional,” he said.