In his first public appearance since resigning as prime minister, Hun Sen has announced his pleasure at the fact that Cambodians appear to be comfortable under the new government, and are continuing to live in an atmosphere of peace and positive development.

He was addressing an October 9 ceremony to mark the end of filming of the popular television programme Son Under the Full Moon, a series which depicts his political life, from his early years as a pagoda boy to his struggle to liberate the Cambodian people from the Khmer Rouge’s reign of terror.

“More than a month after the formation of the new government, have Cambodians expressed any fear because of the change of leadership? Have people withdrawn money from the banks, or prepare to flee the country? No such thing has happened,” he said.

He added that the situation in the country remains stable, and the change of leadership has not caused any insecurity or threatened the lives of the people.

“If I had delayed my resignation until my health failed me or I passed away, things could have been chaotic for the nation. I sacrificed my role as prime minister so the Cambodian people can live in peace and enjoy further development,” he said.

He explained that in his role as leader of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, he still has the right to express his views on political affairs, both internally and externally.

Hun Sen added that as chairman of the Supreme Privy Council to the King, he still holds political sway.

The remarks came in response to criticisms that he remained in power behind the scenes and was interfering in the internal affairs of the new government led by his son Hun Manet.

“The leader of the ruling party is still in power, please remember that. I may not command the same force as the prime minister – as that is his right now – but I have the right to comment on political decisions,” he said.

He added that he had never dreamed of becoming prime minister, but it became his destiny through the struggle for national liberation. He was willing to relinquish power – while he was still very popular – so the people could continue to enjoy peace, a “sacrifice” that few were prepared to make.

“I want opposition groups to understand this clearly. They wrongly assumed that I would not step down, but they clearly know very little about me. I will live for another 30 years, and will continue to offer my political wisdom to the ruling party,” he said.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that the former prime minister remained popular with the public for his many achievements while in power. Between that popularity – and his leadership of the ruling party – Hun Sen remains influential in shaping the nation’s political destiny.

“He not only influences the current prime minister, but Cambodian politics as a whole. The fact that the current prime minister is his son is another factor,” he said.

Cambodian Institute for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun also believed Hun Sen is still influential in the decisions of the new government. As he is the father of the prime minister and the leader of the ruling party, as well as the former leader of the country, he has deep roots in Cambodian society.

“The president of the ruling party will always have influence, and of course he can use that power to put pressure on or talk to officials from his party.