Cambodian leaders have expressed their condolences to the family of Kong Sam Ol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace, who passed away on the morning of September 2 at the age of 94 due to natural causes.

Sam Ol had served as the Minister of the Royal Palace since 1998.

Senate president Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet and National Assembly president Khuon Sudary have all sent messages of sympathy to his family.

In his message, Hun Sen described Sam Ol's passing as a great loss of an exemplary leader endowed with wisdom, will, scholarly ideals and extensive experience.

He noted that in all circumstances, Sam Ol had tirelessly overcome all obstacles for the country and the people, particularly in serving the nation, religion and King Norodom Sihamoni, including accompanying the King and Queen Mother.

He also highlighted Sam Ol's significant and active role in humanitarian work through his mission with the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC).

In his condolence message, Manet stated, “From the past until now, Samdech [Kong Sam Ol] has always dedicated his physical and intellectual strength, spirit and service in all forms to ensure the protection of national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the defence of the monarchy and the constitutional monarchy in Cambodia.”

He added that Sam Ol’s efforts were dedicated to the nation, religion and the King, upholding the honour and prestige of the Kingdom on the international stage.