PHNOM PENH, May 3, 2024 — Prime Minister Hun Manet has vehemently dismissed a report from the Cambodia Daily, urging the media outlet to cease disseminating what he described as fabricated stories that tarnish his and his family's reputation.

“The Cambodia Daily, a Khmer-language foreign radio station, has repeatedly engaged in actions aimed at slandering, attacking, and undermining my honor and that of my family," the Prime Minister stated via his social media platforms this evening.

In the contentious article, the Cambodia Daily alleged that Kun Nhim, Director General of the General Department of Customs and Excise, bribed his way to delay his retirement until 2028, contrary to the initial plan set for 2025, approved by former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“I must clarify that, during my tenure as Prime Minister in the 6th Legislature, it was decided—following a proposal made on December 19, 2022, by the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance—to extend Kun Nhim's retirement to 2028," Hun Manet explained. He further stated that as the current head of government, he retains the authority to appoint or replace the GDCE Director General but chooses to continue with Nhim due to his experience and dedication to his duties.

Prime Minister Hun Manet called for the immediate cessation of the spread of false narratives by the Cambodia Daily, accusing it of using officials’ names to cover its alleged unscrupulous actions.

In a parallel confirmation, Hun Sen, President of the Senate, reiterated on his official Facebook page that the decision to extend Kun Nhim’s retirement was revised to 2028 following a thorough assessment of the needs for customs reform and Nhim's personal contributions to the sector.

Hun Sen also announced the extension of retirement for two deputy directors general of GDCE to 2028, aiming to maintain a leadership team that can successfully continue with the customs reforms.