Cambodian Senate President Chea Sim has passed away.

Yesterday, June 8th, Mr. Chea Sim, President of the Cambodian Senate and Chairman of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), passed away at his home at the age of 83.

Cambodian Senate President Chea Sim - Photo: Reuters.

According to the Cambodia Daily, Yim Leang, the head of Chea Sim's bodyguard team, confirmed this information.

Chea Sim's health has deteriorated significantly over the past 10 years due to diabetes and other illnesses. He was born in November 1932 in Svay Rieng province.

He was one of the founding members of the Cambodian National United Front for Salvation. After the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, Chea Sim held various positions in the government, including Minister of Interior and President of the Council of State.

Chea Sim briefly served as acting head of state in place of King Norodom Sihanouk in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 2004. He was granted the title of Samdech by King Norodom Sihanouk in 1993.

From 1981 to 1998, Chea Sim served as Speaker of the Cambodian House of Representatives. He became President of the Senate from 1999 until his death. He also held the position of Chairman of the CPP since 1991.

Due to declining health, Chea Sim has been absent from Senate meetings since last year. In April, Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that he would replace Chea Sim as chairman of the CPP after Chea Sim's death.

(According to TTO)