King Norodom Sihamoni yesterday awarded two high-ranking Cambodian People’s Party officials with the honorary title of “Samdech”.

According to a royal decree, as a reward for their services to peace and security in Cambodia, Senate President Say Chhum was granted the title “Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdey Say Chhum”, while Interior Minister Sar Kheng is now officially known as “Samdech Krala Hoam Sar Kheng”.

The bestowal followed the death last Monday of 82-year-old former Senate leader and CPP president Chea Sim.

The octogenarian had long dealt with ill-health and made repeated trips oversees for medical attention since suffering a stroke in October 2000.

After Sim’s passing, Chhum was voted in as Senate president, while Prime Minister Hun Sen is expected to become party leader on Saturday.

Hun Sen, who also holds the prestigious “Samdech” title along with National Assembly President Heng Samrin, yesterday applauded the King’s decision to reward his party members for their commitment to the “nation, religion and King”.