He has won grudgingacceptance from the outside world and many Cambodians by arguing that without his tight rule the place would collapse in chaos again.
Since his grudgingacceptance two years ago of the two-state principle, Israel's prime minister has shown no eagerness or flexibility in his purported pursuit of a deal.
The move to introduce votes for prisoners is hardly one that is likely to win much popular support and the reaction from politicians has ranged from grudgingacceptance to outright hostility.
Peace must be on the basis of a real and explicit not grudging, oral or hollow acceptance of the right of Israel to exist and to preserve its security.