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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
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Cambodia's chair: trust and tasks ahead

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, also in the capacity of new Asean chair, shakes hands with Myanmar military chief Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw on Jan 7. Critics say Hun Sen's cordial stance towards Myanmar military government could split Asean. (Photo: AFP)

Cambodia's reputation in regional and international affairs has long preceded Prime Minister Hun Sen's recent trip to Myanmar. Indeed, to be fair, the two-day visit was an ice breaker to create much-needed space for all the Asean 10 to get together once again.

Due to the 2012 incident during Cambodia's second Asean chair, he has to carry this heavy burden throughout the coming 12 months to assure the grouping that he is acting in good faith and most importantly on Asean's behalf and the regional interest. It will not be easy. Frankly speaking, except for a few countries, others do not want to see Hun Sen succeed in his unconventional approach. Deep down they hope he fails to reinforce the narratives that Cambodia can be trusted and that it is not acting on behalf of foreign interests.

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