Prime Minister Hun Sen has instructed Minister of Justice Koeut Rith to study and prepare an amendment to the Constitution and governing laws that would mandate single nationality for prime minister and presidents of the Senate, National Assembly and Constitutional Council.

“To demonstrate patriotism and avoid interference from foreign countries, the leaders ... must have only one citizenship,” he said on October 6.

Hun Sen’s remarks came after some foreign media outlets alleged that he had "bought" a Cypriot passport.

The allegation was echoed by Sam Rainsy, former president of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party, who posted "leaked" documents on Facebook on October 5 citing "The Pandora Papers".

“If you dare to play, don’t get angry when [I] play along. The door will be closed forever for those who have two nationalities and are attempting to take these top posts, especially the position of prime minister.

"The amendment to either the Constitution or governing laws requires only two-thirds of the vote [at the National Assembly] for its passage,” he said.