Prime Minister Hun Sen Wednesday warned public officials not to sell school properties to private investors, following the attempted sale of education property for the expansion of a housing complex in the capital.

Hun Sen said he had destroyed requests for the sale of Chau Ponhie Hok school in Phnom Penh, along with a naval command position in Sihanoukville.

"Please do not talk about dealings with schools, either in Phnom Penh or the provinces," he said, a warning to officials who might consider similar requests.

Education Minister Kol Pheng said Wednesday Hun Sen's "recommendation" was actually "an order that can stop the merchants who want to take advantage of the state."