The National Police Chief General Hok Lundy's job appears to be safe from those who

wish to see him removed.

King Norodom Sihanouk says he regrets he has no power to have Lundy suspended, and

Prime Minister Hun Sen says opposition politicians have no rights around government

appointments.

Sam Rainsy Party MP Son Chhay wrote to the king on February 2, asking him to have

Lundy suspended for failing to ensure the adequate investigation of the murder of

trade union leader Chea Vichea, who was shot on January 22.

In a response on his website on February 4, the king also expressed concern about

the political stalemate, which is preventing the formation of a new government. "I

regret I have no power, I am unable to solve this problem," King Sihanouk said.

Hun Sen reacted thus to a reporter at the Council of Ministers: "The opposition

is the opposition, the government is the government. The opposition has no right

to do anything, which is involved in the appointment of government officials."