Having been only recently promoted to deputy governor of Kampot province, a former department director has now been tapped to take the reins of the province’s top job.

The deputy governor, Chan Chesda, will replace outgoing governor Khoy Hun Hour, who has been appointed – pending approval by the National Assembly – as a secretary of state at the Council of Ministers.

An official who attended a farewell ceremony for Hun Hour yesterday and spoke on condition of anonymity said Interior Minister Sar Kheng called on the new governor to work closely with residents to provide public services effectively.

The official said Chesda had been deputy governor for just over a week. He was previously director of the province’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

On March 16, Prime Minister Hun Sen sent a letter to the National Assembly naming all the new roles to which retiring governors will be appointed.

The governors for Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Speu, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng were all appointed as secretaries of state at various ministries.