King Norodom Sihamoni issued a royal decree to promote 16 generals and high-ranking senior police officers, including a lieutenant general (three stars), seven major generals (two stars), and eight brigadier generals (one star).

“Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall be in charge of implementing this royal decree from the date of its signing,” according to the decree, which was issued in late July but just released.

National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun told The Post on Wednesday that it is clear Prime Minister Hun Sen only requests the King to promote officials who fulfil their duties well.

He said the officials have been in their roles a long time already and deserve this promotion.

“If these officials were not great talent, they would not be promoted. It is a good opportunity for the government to promote them.

“There are three important criteria to promote government officials – seniority, ability and achievement. There are also some promotions based on the need to replace retired officials,” Kim Khoeun said.

Democratic Institute president Pa Chanroeun said there is nothing wrong with promoting the 16 officials if the decision was in line with Cambodian law. He said promotions must be considered without discrimination, corruption or at the expense of other personnel.

“There is a lot of armed forces personnel in this society and there are the rising stars. However, security in society does not seem to be getting better.

“As a citizen, I call on all of our armed forces to put further effort into fulfilling their duties effectively with moral values to enhance security,” he said.