Phnom Penh : The President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, Heng Samrin, has paid tribute to the late National Assembly First Vice President Nguon Nhel, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 79. His last respect was at Nguon Nhel's house in Andong village, Prek Pra commune, Chbar Ampov district, Phnom Penh on Saturday. 

After hearing the tragic news on Friday, Heng Samrin wrote on his Facebook's page that he was very shocked and saddened of the passing of his valued colleague, Nguon Nhel. He has stated that the death of His Excellency Nguon Nhel is a great loss for the whole nation as he was a great leader and for being a beloved father, father-in-law and grand father. He has said that Nhel had sacrificed his physical and mental strength to serve the nation and the people

The National Assembly First Vice President, Nguon Nhel who hailed from Baray District, Kampong Thom Province had been a member of the Standing Committee of the Cambodian People's Party, and former Minister of Agriculture.