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. After Sar Kheng downturned offers of inclusion by the Cambodia National Reform Party in 2017, Sam Rainsy directed "revenge claims" against Sar Kheng. 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". 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, others have been critical of the suppression of political opponents such as CNRP deputy leader, Kem Sokha. 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. 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. 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". 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" (). Family Kheng is married to Nhem Sakhan with whom he has three children. Through matrimonial alliances, Kheng is part of an intricate network of powerful Cambodian families. Kheng is also brother-in-law to former president of the Cambodian National Assembly Chea Sim, 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. References 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