Hun Manet was officially promoted to four-star general status in a ceremony on April 20 at the Ministry of National Defence.
The defence ministry organised an official ceremony increasing the rank of Manet, who already serves as deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and commander of the army.
The ceremony was presided over by Minister of National Defence Tea Banh.
Manet was promoted by a Royal Decree issued by King Norodom Sihamoni dated March 17, which increased his rank from lieutenant general to general.
“I would like to take this occasion to thank His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, for promoting me to the rank of general,” Manet wrote on social media after the ceremony.
“I also would like to thank [Prime Minister Hun Sen], [defence minister Tea Banh] and General Vong Pisen, the commander-in-chief of the RCAF, for placing trust in me and supporting me in fulfilling my duties to serve the nation,” he added.
Tea Banh also posted to social media after the ceremony, saying that it was held to advance the interests of the future generations over the long-term, including that of women working in the defence sector, in line with the RCAF’s reform plans, policies and the strategy of the government in the sixth mandate.
Royal Academy of Cambodia secretary-general Yang Peou said that the promotion of Manet to four-star general was standard procedure for the RCAF at this juncture in his military service given his qualifications and work seniority.
He said that he expected that Manet would be active in making reforms across the defence sector as Cambodia’s military is relatively weak compared to that of its neighbours.
“I hope that General Hun Manet will be more active on this. We must accept that our defence sector is still weak,” he said.
Several senior government officials congratulated Manet and applauded the promotion, saying that it was a suitable time to grant it to him considering his qualifications, achievements and contributions to developing and strengthening the RCAF, as well as his work in promoting peace, stability and development.
