PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has told opposition groups to learn more in order to gain power in their next lives.

The Prime Minister made a post on his official Facebook page, responding to opposition groups that were saying that the removal of Veng Sakhon from his post as the Minister of Agriculture was against the law.

The Prime Minister instructed opposition groups to read Article 21, Chapter 2 of the Cambodian Constitution, which outlines the King’s ability to terminate positions, and Article 20, Chapter 3 of the Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers.

The Prime Minister wrote, "Due to a lack of knowledge, [the opposition always] end up in prison and flee the country, and then accuse [me] of being a dictator. They should learn more to achieve power in their next lives and not get too caught up in [political] games. This is my good intention for the group of idiots."

Article 21, Chapter 2 of the Constitution states that the King shall sign a Royal Decree appointing, changing, or terminating the duties of senior civil and military officials, ambassadors, envoys and competent officials, at the request of the Council of Ministers.

Article 20, Chapter 3 of the Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers also states that the King can terminate the position of any member of the Royal Government by Royal Decree upon receiving a proposal to do so from the Prime Minister.

On Saturday evening, 8 October 2022, the King officially signed a royal decree to terminate Veng Sakhon from his position as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries after the King accepted a proposal from Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The Prime Minister immediately appointed the Minister of Economy and Finance, DPM Aun Pornmoniroth, as the Acting Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in addition to his current position, until the official appointment of the new Minister of Agriculture.