NEWLY-ELECTED MP for Kampong Cham, Hor Nam Hong is certainly more than a simple parliamentarian.

The Cambodian ambassador to France and the European Union,

Nam Hong, 63, was recalled from Paris after the coup last July to be closer to Second

Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"I am the only adviser [to Hun Sen] with the title of Minister of State,"

he says proudly.

Hun Sen began his tutelage under Nam Hong as a 27-year-old minister of foreign affairs

in 1979. Nam Hong, who has remained very close to Hun Sen since, has most recently

given advice on the CPP's electoral campaign and on ASEAN.

During the 80's and early 90's, Nam Hong was ambassador to Russia and then in charge

of Foreign Affairs.

Today, he says his former pupil has grown in experience

beyond all expectations. He admires Hun Sen for his intelligence.

Nam Hong is also a member of the CPP's powerful Central Committee.

He says his relationship with the King is a good one. "We share the same ideas

about the situation in the country."

Seemingly forgotten is the bitter trial that once spoiled

their relationship.In January 1993, Nam Hong won a court case against the King at

a tribunal in Paris, relating to his activities during the Khmer Rouge regime.

The King had accused him of being in charge of a Khmer Rouge camp, and responsible

for the deaths of Sihanouk's wife's brother-in- law, among others.