This seems to represent 'the end of direct involvement in ( Cambodian) politics by members of the royal family,' said the paper.

'The retired king (Norodom Sihanouk) has said that he would like royal family members to stop doing politics and let political parties do work in politics and compete in the election,' Prince Sirivudh was quoted as saying.

His sister Norodom Vicheara, former lawmaker of the co-ruling Funcinpec Party, has also decided to leave politics behind to support the retired king, he said.

'I won't do politics, but it doesn't mean that I won't pay attention to big national issues. Simple people also have the right to question the government and the National Assembly about big issues,' he said.

'I don't belong to any (political) party and I will serve the country within the framework of being a royal family member: to serve the monarchy and the country with honesty,' he added.

Prince Sirivudh belongs to the Funcinpec Party and worked as foreign minister in the government. Prince Ranariddh once worked as premier, and headed Funcinpec in the past few years, but was sacked in 2006.

Funcinpec was established by retired King Sihanouk in 1981 and has remained as an important political force of Cambodia in its royal capacity, the paper said. -- BERNAMA