PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has responded to those who criticized the appointment of Dith Tina, former Secretary of State of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, as the new Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

The Prime Minister has been criticized for not being transparent in his appointment of the Minister of Agriculture. To such reactions, the Prime Minister replied, "I do not need to go through you, and these days it seems like providing an opportunity for some people who oppose the amendment of our constitution."

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for more than 6,000 students of the Royal University of Law and Economics on Tuesday morning, 1 November, the Prime Minister stated that he does not care about criticisms made on appointing a non-agricultural official as the new Minister of Agriculture. He said that it is more important that he is a good leader who knows how to instruct his subordinates.

The Prime Minister warned some analysts not to make their evaluations and criticisms too quickly, saying that people should not think that only those who have agricultural skills are suitable for the position of the Minister of Agriculture.

At the same time, the Prime Minister also criticized the Departments of Agriculture at different institutions for not doing more to plant trees and grow vegetables. He also criticized agricultural experts who have never planted anything or ever owned rice mills.

Dith Tina was appointed the new Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries by the King of Cambodia on 14 October 2022, following a unanimous vote in favor by the National Assembly.