PHNOM PENH: During Prime Minister Hun Sen’s surprising announcement on Thursday that he will be resigning as Prime Minister, he said that in addition to taking over as Senate President, he will also be President of the Supreme Council of the King, which includes National Assembly President Heng Samrin, Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, DPM Men Sam An and Minister of Defense Tea Banh as members.

He emphasized that the position of President of the Supreme Council of the King has no legislative power, but that it functions as a protectorate of the Cambodian monarchy. In his speech on the afternoon of July 26, the Prime Minister said, "I will support the King, as well as help coordinate between the Royal Palace and the [new] government, especially in supplying logistics and anything security-related for the protection of the throne."

The PM stated that in February 2024, the Senate will convene for elections and in March 2024, he will officially take office as the new President of the Senate.

He claimed that his son, Gen. Hun Manet will be the new Prime Minister, taking office on August 22, 2023. He asserted that he would not interfere in the internal affairs of the new Prime Minister.