PHNOM PENH: Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that he has no ambition to hold the ASEAN gavel as Chair for the fourth time, and has stated that he will choose an appropriate time to leave office.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday night, 13 November, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that he can still lead ASEAN for another 10 years, but has no interest in becoming the ASEAN Chairman for the fourth time.

"You can compete with me on [different matters], but [regarding] the karma I have that allowed me to be [one of the] longest ruling prime ministers in the world, you cannot [compete with me on that]. But I have no ambition to carry the gavel for the fourth time,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He further added that the Peace Palace, which is the main headquarters of the Royal Government, was constructed for the next generation of leaders to continue the work.

"This Peace Palace is not just for Hun Sen to sit in, but for others to sit in, and it is not just for 4 to 10 years. If they maintain [this building] well, they can sit in it another 100 years, then we have it for the next generation as well," he said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has been the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia for almost 38 years, making him the second longest-serving Prime Minister in the world after Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.

Prime Minister Hun Sen was elected by the National Assembly during the time of the People’s Republic of Cambodia, as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) on 14 January 1985. He has held the top position of the government ever since.