Cambodian Senate President Chea Sim passes away

Yesterday, June 8, Mr. Chea Sim, President of the Cambodian Senate and President 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, Mr. Yim Leang, head of Mr. Chea Sim's bodyguard team, confirmed this information.

Mr. Chea Sim’s health had been deteriorating 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 Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation. After the Khmer Rouge regime was overthrown in 1979, Chea Sim held many government positions such as Minister of Interior and President of the Council of State.

Mr. Chea Sim served as acting head of state on behalf of King Norodom Sihanouk for brief periods in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2004. He was given the title of Samdech by King Norodom Sihanouk in 1993.

From 1981 to 1998, Mr. Chea Sim was the President of the House of Representatives of Cambodia. He became President of the Senate from 1999 until his death. He also assumed the role of President of the CPP since 1991.

Due to poor health, Chea Sim has been absent from Senate meetings since last year. In April, Prime Minister Hun Sen said he would replace Chea Sim as CPP president after his death.

(According to TTO)