Soon after the May issue of BMD was released, its scribes followed up with another list of questions but the king's answers were sent in a letter to The Cambodia Daily newspaper.
Prince Norodom Ranariddh, once a hot favorite as future monarch, now has "major problems" with politics. Prince Norodom Sihamoni is a "chance" while Prince Norodom Sirivudh is too tainted by past political affiliations.
Instead, the monarch declared to his kingdom that his wife Queen Monineath was a viable option to carry the throne forward after his death but this would require a constitutional change allowing women to reign.
The king, however, has taken steps to ensure his legacy if none of the future alternatives are acceptable, and a republic follows.
In the last issue of BMD, the revered monarch announced his treasure trove of Cambodian movies, directed by himself, would be donated to the French National Film Archives.
Apparently Sihanouk fears his movies would be held up to public contempt by his foes if a republic were declared after his death.
In which case, Sihanouk has laid down his last request.
"In my humble opinion Cambodia's republicanization would be only acceptable after a national referendum was conducted in due form and, if possible, under the appropriate control of the United Nations," he wrote in the letter published by The Cambodia Daily.
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