In a thinly veiled jab at ruling party officials, CNRP president Sam Rainsy yesterday said the opposition had no dynastic designs for their children, while declaring that a CNRP government, if elected, would quickly move to replace senior officials at the nation’s key institutions.

Rainsy, who last year fled into self-imposed exile in France to avoid a jail term, addressed his remarks via video link to opposition youth activists from Takeo and Kampong Speu, who gathered at the party’s capital headquarters. If elected, the CNRP would “change top leaders in every level in the government according to their rank”.

Rainsy went on to lash out at ruling party officials he said selfishly held on to power, later adding “Mr Kem Sokha and me, Sam Rainsy, do not have the intention of continuing to hold power through children and grandchildren.”

Prime Minister Hun Sen, Minister of Defence Tea Banh and Interior Minister Sar Kheng are just a few of the ruling party leaders with children in high-ranking public positions.

CNRP deputy Kem Sokha addressed supporters separately over the weekend, calling on them to “defend the constitution” during an event celebrating the document’s 23rd anniversary.