Phnom Penh: Former Prime Minister and current Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen commemorated the 40th anniversary of his election as Chairman of the Council of Ministers—now known as Prime Minister—on January 14, 2025, a milestone marking his long-standing leadership in Cambodia.
In a post on social media, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated, “Today marks the 40th anniversary of the National Assembly electing me to the position of Chairman of the Council of Ministers, now called Prime Minister.” He reminisced about his initial appointment on January 14, 1985, following his service as Acting Chairman from September 1984, when former Prime Minister Chan Chi traveled to Moscow for medical treatment and subsequently passed away in December 1984.
Before his tenure as Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from January 1979 to June 1981, taking office at just 27 years old. By March 1981, he had risen to the dual roles of Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs. At the age of 32, he became Chairman of the Council of Ministers, making him one of the youngest individuals to hold the roles of minister, deputy prime minister, and prime minister at that time.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen highlighted that his total period of leadership spans 46 years. Including his involvement in the struggle against foreign aggression and the genocidal regime of Pol Pot, he noted a remarkable 55 years of service from 1970 to 2025.
Reflecting on his past, he remarked, “More than half a century of hardship has covered no less than 90 percent.” He recalled his promise made to the parliament upon his election as Chairman: “We must not let any people die of hunger that we do not know about and have not solved.” This statement was rooted in the hardships faced during the rainy season of 1984, marked by both floods and droughts that led to severe food shortages. He emphasized that addressing food insecurity was his priority, which ultimately inspired significant economic reforms, including land reform aimed at granting land ownership to the populace.
Additionally, Samdech Techo Hun Sen shared photographs from his life at various ages—19, 21, 26, 32, and finally 72—to provide a visual narrative of his journey throughout his lengthy political career.
