Kandal Provincial Governor Phai Bunchhoeun said he would be replaced on Tuesday and transferred to a new job at the Ministry of Interior as part of his retirement. His replacement is Mao Phirun, provincial president of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and provincial councillor in Kandal province.

“I have not yet received a Royal Decree, but unofficially Mao Phirun will replace me on December 30,” he said yesterday, asserting that the transfer was above board and had nothing to do with his performance on the job.

“I have made no mistakes, this is my retirement, but the government will appoint me to work as undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Interior and deputy director of the cabinet of Samdech Techo Hun Sen.”

Khieu Sopheak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, could not be reached for comment.