Sar Kheng

In this Cambodian name, the surname is Sar. In accordance with Cambodian custom, this person should be referred to by the given name, Kheng.

Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng MP PC
ស ខេង
Kheng in 2018
Minister of Interior
In office 3 February 1992 – 22 August 2023
Prime Minister	Hun Sen Norodom Ranariddh Ung Huot
Co-Minister	You Hockry (1993–2004) Norodom Sirivudh (2004–2006)
Succeeded by	Sar Sokha
Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia
In office 3 February 1992 – 22 August 2023
Prime Minister	Hun Sen Norodom Ranariddh Ung Huot
Vice President of the Cambodian People's Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 20 June 2015
President	Hun Sen
Serving with	Say Chhum Tea Banh Men Sam An Hun Manet
Preceded by	Hun Sen
Majority Leader of the National Assembly
In office 22 January 2015 – 31 January 2017
Prime Minister	Hun Sen
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Member of Parliament for Battambang
Incumbent
Assumed office 14 June 1993
Chairman of National Committee for Counter Trafficking in Person, Cambodia[1]
In office 2009 – 22 August 2023
Personal details
Born	(1951-01-15) 15 January 1951 (age 73) Prey Veng, Cambodia, French Indochina
Political party	Cambodian People's Party
Spouse	Nhem Sakhan[2]
Children	3, including Sar Sokha

Sar Kheng (Khmer: ស ខេង; born 15 January 1951) is a Cambodian politician. He is the vice president of the ruling Cambodian People's Party and served as Minister of the Interior and deputy prime minister from 1992 to 2023.^[3] He also represents the province of Battambang in the Cambodian Parliament.^[4] Kheng has been the Minister of the Interior since 1992. Until March 2006, he shared the position with FUNCINPEC party member You Hockry as co-Ministers of the Interior, but then became sole interior minister in a cabinet reshuffle as FUNCINPEC ended its coalition with the CPP. He left office as interior minister in 2023 and was succeeded by his son, Sar Sokha.

Biography

A Cambodian child in the Sangkum

Sar Kheng was born on January 15, 1951, during the Sangkum in Ang Daung Saat Village, Krabau Township, Kamchay Mear District, Prey Veng Province. He was born into a peasant family.^[5]

From guerilla warfare to leader of the Kampuchea

Along with Heng Samrin, Chea Sim, and Hun Sen, Sar Kheng was among the Democratic Kampuchea cadres of the Eastern Zone.^[6] However, after commander of the Eastern Zone Sar Phim^[7] was assassinated, Sar Kheng, Hun Sen, and other leaders who refused the purges of the Cambodian genocide went into the opposition against the Khmers Rouges.^[8] The ties and friendships made at that time have lasted and still continue to determine Cambodian politics. Since they fled to Vietnam, they have been accused of being pro-Vietnamese. After the Vietnamese troops entered Cambodia and pushed back the Khmers Rouge to the North West provinces, Kheng, along with his brother-in-law Chea Sim, took on leadership positions in national security and were identified as "hard-liners" in the People's Republic of Kampuchea government, fighting to eradicate the Khmer Rouge from Cambodia.^[9] As leaders in the one-party state controlled by the Kampuchean People's Revolutionary Party (the former name of the CPP), they were accused of operating "a police state". Human Rights Watch Asia Director Brad Adams described governmental policies that included imprisonment without trial and torture of political activists.^[10]

Coup after coup towards democracy after the return of the monarchy

Kheng became the Minister of Interior in 1992 during the UN protectorate period overseeing the State of Cambodia's transition to the Kingdom of Cambodia.^[11] During this time, the CPP formed a coalition with its main rival, Prince Norodom Ranariddh's FUNCINPEC party. As a result of this arrangement, each party appointed members to "share" higher offices.^[12] Within the CPP, Kheng is its Vice President and a standing member of its Central Committee,^[13] the body responsible for all core decision making.^[14]

1994 coup: surviving the failed attempt of Chakrapong and Sin Song

A schism slowly developed in the CPP with Hun Sen and his supporters who would hold on to power at all costs on one side and the more moderate Kheng, Chea Sim and Heng Samrin on the other.^[15] Hun Sen, who had control and support of the military and National Police emerged as the undisputed leader. His suspicion of Kheng was such that during an aborted coup attempt led by Prince Norodom Chakrapong in 1994, Hun Sen totally bypassed the Ministry of the Interior in his response, not notifying Kheng of troop mobilization or movements until the whole episode had already ended.^[16] Sar Kheng was particularly opposed to the tactics behind the coup as they only reinforced the political position of the Khmer Rouge by perpetuating political instability in Cambodia.^[17]

1997 coup: refusing a violent response

Main article: 1997 Cambodian coup d'état

Three years later, while planning the 1997 coup to oust his popular co-Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh, Hun Sen personally confronted Kheng to ensure his loyalty and support for the use of force.^[18] Sar Kheng warned Hun Sen against the use of violence and said that he would refuse to take part in a coup.^[19] Further, Kheng could do nothing to reign in Hok Lundy, the head of the National Police force and close confidant of Hun Sen, who was accused of crimes and abuses of power ranging from human trafficking and drug smuggling to the murder of political opponents even though Lundy was under the authority of the Interior Ministry.^[15][20][21]

By the late 1990s, Kheng's name was often floated by Western observers as a possible party "reformer".^[9]

Growing stronger after the loss of the FUNCINPEC

Since 1992, Kheng and FUNCINPEC member You Hockry were ruling as co-Ministers of the Interior. This arrangement lasted until the Senate elections of 2006, when FUNCINPEC, which lost many seats while Ranariddh left to form his own party, dissolved the coalition and allied with Sam Rainsy's opposition movement. You Hockry, who chose to follow Ranariddh, was dismissed and Prince Norodom Sirivudh was made co-minister with Kheng. However, Sirivudh was soon also dismissed, leaving Kheng as the sole Minister of the Interior.^[22] Since this loss, Sar Kheng has been able to grow stronger and rein in any serious political opposition.

In September 2015, he warned the authorities of Sihanoukville whom he suspected of taking bribes in return for allowing illegal fishing and smuggling activities off the coast.^[23]

After Sar Kheng downturned offers of inclusion by the Cambodia National Reform Party in 2017,^[24] Sam Rainsy directed "revenge claims" against Sar Kheng.^[25] In 2019, Sar Kheng sued Sam Rainsy for his allegations that he had been colluding with Dy Vichea against Hun Sen, accusations which he considered "fake news and incitements".^[26]

Politics

Orkun santheipheap: balancing public order and personal freedom

Since coming to power in 1992, Minister of Interior Sar Kheng has overseen the transition to democracy. While some have applauded the longest period of political stability since the Cambodian Civil War and Kheng's efforts to fight against corruption and drug trafficking,^[27] others have been critical of the suppression of political opponents such as CNRP deputy leader, Kem Sokha.^{[28][29][30][31]} Kheng continues to attempt to be a mediating force in Cambodia politics. In September 2015, Kheng announced the formation of a seven-person police commission to investigate the 2013 death threats made by CPP Interior Ministry official Lieutenant Colonel Pheng Vannak against CNRP deputy leader Kem Sokha. The investigation has resulted in Kheng removing Vannak from his position.^[32] After the October 2015 attacks on opposition CNRP lawmakers by pro-CPP demonstrators, Kheng conducted informal meetings with CNRP leader Sam Rainsy in an attempt to "restore a working relationship" between the two parties and quell the tension.^[33] This politics of stability has been summarized in the slogan which begins with a leitmotiv of CPP: orkun santheipheap (Khmer: អរគុណសន្តិភាព), which translates as "thanks be for peace".^[34]

Honors and recognitions

On June 14, 2015, King Norodom Sihamoni awarded Kheng the honorary title of Samdech. His official title is "Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng" (សម្ដេចក្រឡាហោម ស ខេង).^[35]

Family

Kheng is married to Nhem Sakhan with whom he has three children.^[2] Through matrimonial alliances, Kheng is part of an intricate network of powerful Cambodian families.^[36] Kheng is also brother-in-law to former president of the Cambodian National Assembly Chea Sim,^[37] who was CPP president until his death in 2015. His son Sar Sokha is married to Ke Kuon Sophy, the daughter of General Ke Kim Yan.^[38]

References

1. "Busts on human trafficking doublen". Retrieved 12 July 2017.
2. "ឧបនាយករដ្ឋមន្ត្រី ស ខេង ធ្វើពិធីសូត្រនិមន្តបង្សុកូល និងរាប់បាត្រព្រះសង្ឃ ក្នុងឱកាសចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី". The National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development. Government of Cambodia. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
3. "Photo 8. H.E. Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister Cambodia, and Vice-Minister of MIC Japan". stat.go.jp. Retrieved 4 January 2011.
4. "MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Fifth Legislature (2013–2018)". Royal Embassy of Cambodia to the United Kingdom. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
5. Jennar, Raoul Marc (1995). Les clés du Cambodge (in French). Maisonneuve et Larose. p. 252. ISBN 978-2-7068-1150-0.
6. François, Im (2005). La question cambodgienne dans les relations internationales de 1979 à 1993 (in French). ANRT. Atelier national de reproduction des thèses de Lille. p. 50. ISBN 978-2-284-04906-7.
7. Oeur, U. Sam; McCullough, Ken (2005). Crossing Three Wildernesses: A Memoir. Coffee House Press. p. 207. ISBN 978-1-56689-167-7.
8. Vandy, Kaonn (1993). Cambodge 1940-1991, ou, La politique sans les Cambodgiens: essai (in French). L'Harmattan. p. 139. ISBN 978-2-7384-1925-5.
9. Eng, Peter (1998). "Cambodian democracy: In a bleak landscape, strong signs of hope". Washington Quarterly. 21 (3): 71–91. doi:10.1080/01636609809550333.
10. "Cambodia: Chea Sim Death Shows Failings of Khmer Rouge Court". Human Rights Watch. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
11. "Politik (Politics)". der Welt auf einen Blick (World at a Glance) (in German). Retrieved 29 November 2015.
12. Mehta, Harish C. (2001). Warrior Prince: Norodom Ranariddh, Son of King Sihanouk of Cambodia. Singapore: Graham Brash. ISBN 9812180869.
13. Yeang, Socheametta (14 June 2015). "លោក ស ខេង និងលោក សាយ ឈុំ ទទួលគោរមងារជា "សម្ដេច"". VOA Khmer (in Khmer). Retrieved 8 November 2015.
14. Johnson, Elizabeth (2014). "Corruption, Violence and Gender: A critical look at police behaviour and a path to reform in Cambodia" (PDF). International Political Science Association: 19–20. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
15. Guo, Sujian (2006). The Political Economy of Asian Transition from Communism. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 70. ISBN 0754647358. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
16. Um, Khatharya (1995). "Cambodia in 1994: the year of transition". Asian Survey. 35 (1): 76–83. doi:10.2307/2645133. JSTOR 2645133.
17. Widyono, Benny (2007-10-23). Dancing in Shadows: Sihanouk, the Khmer Rouge, and the United Nations in Cambodia. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 227. ISBN 978-0-7425-7618-6.
18. Peou, Sorpong (1998). "Hun Sen's Pre-emptive Coup: Causes and Consequences". Southeast Asian Affairs: 86–102. doi:10.1355/SEAA98G.
19. Peou, Sorpong (2000). Intervention & Change in Cambodia: Towards Democracy?. Institute of Southeast Asian. p. 302.
20. "CAMBODIA: Revelations of former police chief must be followed with investigations and suspensions". Asian Human Rights Commission. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
21. Smith, R. Jeffrey (18 April 2007). "Controversial Cambodian to Visit U.S". The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
22. Widyono, Benny (2008). Dancing in Shadows: Sihanouk, the Khmer Rouge, and the United Nations in Cambodia. Lanham, Maryland, United States of America: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 277. ISBN 978-0742555532.
23. Chhay, Channyda (8 September 2015). "Kheng warns brass on coast". The Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
24. Kijewski, Leonie; Koemsoeun, Soth. "Sar Kheng downs offer of inclusion into CNRP". Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
25. Chheng, Niem (2019-07-08). "Sar Kheng sues Rainsy for $1M over 'revenge' claims". Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
26. Chheng, Niem (2019-07-09). "Sar Kheng: Lawsuit is defence of dignity, morality and virtue". Phnom Penh Post. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
27. Forest, Alain (2008). Cambodge contemporain (in French). Indes savantes. p. 463. ISBN 978-2-84654-193-0.
28. "Cambodia is Said to Torture Prisoners". The Boston Globe. HighBeam Research. 4 June 1987. Archived from the original on 11 June 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
29. "Cambodia Criticizes Amnesty International Report". Associated Press. 6 June 1987. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
30. Alex Willemyns. "Opposition's Demand for TV Access Crucial, Futile – The Cambodia Daily". The Cambodia Daily. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
31. "Sokha stripped of National Assembly vice presidency". The Phnom Penh Post. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
32. "Sokha threat investigation in works". The Phnom Penh Post. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
33. Neou, Vannarin (5 November 2015). "Hun Sen Distances Ruling Party From Attacks on Opposition". VOA News. Voice of America. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
34. "ពាក្យ «អរគុណសន្តិភាព!» ត្រូវបានបិទតាមសាលារៀន មណ្ឌលសុខភាព មូលដ្ឋានកងរាជអាវុធហត្ថ និងសាលាក្រុងតាមបណ្តាខេត្តស្ទើរទូទាំងប្រទេស". ខ្មែរប៉ុស្ដិ៍. 2020-01-02. Retrieved 2022-09-28.
35. "'Samdech' titles given to Chhum and Kheng".
36. Forest, Alain (2008). Cambodge contemporain (in French). Indes savantes. p. 185. ISBN 978-2-84654-193-0.
37. Heder, Steve (2015). "Cambodia: Capitalist Transformation by Neither Liberal Democracy Nor Dictatorship". Southeast Asian Affairs. 2012 (1).
38. Strangio, Sebastian (2014-11-28). Hun Sen's Cambodia. Yale University Press. p. 73. ISBN 978-0-300-21014-9.

Further reading

• Kheng, Sar. "Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance." Workshop on the Medium Term Vision for the SEILA Program: 2000–2003.
• Kheng, Sar. "Thematic Paper of the Deputy Prime Minister Sar Keng at the National Symposium on Decentralization and Local Governance on 15–16 May 2002.". National Symposium on Decentralization and Local Governance.
• Kheng, HE Sar. "Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Minister of Interior (October 1999)." Closing Speech, Ministry of Interior Workshop on the Maintenance of Security and Social Order, Phnom Penh. Vol. 22. 1999.

External links

• Cambodian Ministry of the Interior (Khmer)
• National Committee for Counter Trafficking (Khmer)