Singapore trip

SENATE president Chea Sim had been sent to Singapore for emergency medical treatment after experiencing circulation problems and high blood pressure. Cambodian People’s Party senator Chea Son confirmed yesterday that the political veteran left for Singapore on Monday for treatment.

“I don’t have any information about his health condition,” Chea Son said, referring further questions to Chea Sim’s cabinet.

In early December 2009, Chea Sim, who is also president of the ruling CPP and a veteran of Cambodian politics since the 1980s, was flown to Singapore for similar treatment. Minister of Information and government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said he had no updated information about Chea Sim’s health. The 78-year-old had reportedly suffered from high blood pressure for years.

Chea Sim’s trip to Singapore prevented him from attending Independence Day celebrations in Phnom Penh yesterday. National Assembly president Heng Samrin and Prime Minister Hun Sen attended the ceremony, which was presided over by King Norodom Sihamoni.