Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is ready to allow the opposition party to have its own television channel, after decades of only pro-government stations being granted licences, a media report said today.

The premier made the offer amid ongoing political deadlock over last year’s disputed elections.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has alleged fraud, refused to take its seats in parliament and called for a re-vote.

One of the party’s demands has been for a TV channel, but the opposition told The Cambodia Daily it was not interested in such a small concession now from the prime minister.

“We will not do it. We will not agree to the television station now - not until we settle all the political issues,” Son Chhay, the opposition party’s chief whip, told the paper.

In his speech, made at during a visit to a centre for the disabled yesterday, Hun Sen also put to bed rumours of ill health that had circulated on social media this week.

“If I really had a stroke, you should pack your bags and prepare to run,” the premier said. “There is only one person who can command the armed forces.”

- dpa