In a bid to allay concerns among senior government officials amid the Kingdom's imminent leadership transition, outgoing Prime Minister Hun Sen on July 29 affirmed his decision to retain all politically-appointed and civil service officials. 

These include secretaries of state, undersecretaries of state and advisers to the government, all of whom will be reappointed unless they choose to resign. In parallel, senior civil service officials, including directors-general and deputy directors-general, will also continue in their roles.

Hun Sen said reappointments would occur when the current government mandate ends on August 22.

"Having deliberated with top leaders including soon-to-be Prime Minister Hun Manet, [we] have decided that all politically appointed and civil service officials will maintain their roles,” he declared in a special audio address to the nation.

He stressed that civil service officials – from directors-general to deputy district governors, as well as the police and the armed forces of all ranks – will retain their positions. The only exceptions are those who have reached the mandatory retirement age.

Hun Sen also discussed alterations to the role of Government Delegate attached to the Prime Minister, most of whom double as secretaries of state at various ministries. They will now have the option to relinquish either one. 

Hun Sen stressed, however, that there are two exceptions: the Director-General of Taxation and the Director-General of Customs, who will continue to serve in their current roles. They will report both to the finance minister and the prime minister.

Deputy prime ministers and ministers who no longer hold their position will continue to serve the nation as members of the National Assembly, he reiterated.