Hun Sen changes birthday to be born in year of the dragon

The prime minister said that at the time his birth date was recorded, the country was in turmoil. Critics say it is superstition, fueled by the recent death of his brother Hun Neng.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Prime Minister Hun Sen is a year younger after moving his birth date from April 4, 1951, to Aug. 5, 1952, saying that at the time of registration in 1977 the country was in turmoil over civil conflict. Critics say the change is actually related to the Chinese zodiac: this would move the premier from the sign of the rabbit to the sign of the dragon, which is considered auspicious.

Hun Sen was part of the Khmer Rouge when he fled and escaped a political purge in 1977. He then returned as the leader of the Vietnam-sponsored rebel army in 1979 to become head of state in 1985. 

It is not unusual for people over 50 to have more than one birthday in Cambodia. During the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 many official records were lost or destroyed. Some may have altered their birth dates to avoid military service in the 1980s, when there was still armed clashes in the country.  

Hun Sen had announced his decision in early May just days after the death of his older brother Hun Neng. According to Wion News, the premier suspected that it was his own inauspicious date of birth that caused his brother's death.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court President Taing Sunlay certified the new birthday by issuing a decree requiring civil authorities to change official records.

Man Nath, chairman of the Norway-based Cambodian Monitoring Council, wrote on Facebook that the change shows Hun Sen's superstitious nature: "His superstition dominates his leadership. If he is a good leader, he will become a ghost after death and be worshipped for decades to come." Exiled political analyst Kim Sok told Radio Free Asia that Hun Sen should attend to more important issues, "He should serve the interests of the people and protect territorial integrity and national honor, but he prioritizes his own interests and those of his family."