Former Phnom Penh military police commander Brigadier General Ya Kim Y will be officially removed from his position and replaced during a transition ceremony at military police headquarters today, a spokesman said yesterday.

National military police spokesman Kheng Tito maintained yesterday that the transfer of his position to current Banteay Meanchey military police commander Rath Sreang was routine.

“This exchanging of commanders is a normal thing in the military sector,” Tito said. “It is aimed at improving, strengthening and providing peace, safety, security and public order for people in the city of Phnom Penh.”

On July 30, a senior military police official told the Post on the condition of anonymity that Kim Y had been demoted over his inability to prevent the riots that broke out near the Stung Meanchey bridge on election day.

Rath Sreang said yesterday that he was “pleased with this position exchange” but declined to comment further.