ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly

THE 4TH MANDATE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION

His Majesty Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia solemnly scheduled 27th July 2008 as the electoral date for the 4th Legislative Term of the National Assembly (2008-2013). The election was run by the National Election Committee (NEC) and contested by 11 different political parties under the supervision and observation of international communities and national organizations  in line with the constitution of Cambodia’s principles of democracy and multi-political parties.

On 2nd September 2008, NEC officially declared that five political parties had among them won the 123 parliamentary seats with the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) winning  90, Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) known as the opposition party 26, Human Rights Party 3, FUNCINPEC 2 and Norodom Ranariddh 2.

Constitutionally, the first convening of the new term of the National Assembly takes place at least 60 days after the election1. On 24th September, 2008 the first Plenary Session of the 4th Legislature was held and presided over by the august patronage of His Majesty Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, the King of Cambodia. On the same day, after the declaration and acceptance of the parliamentary validity, all Members of Parliament (MPs) proceeded to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh to take an oath of allegiance.

On the following day, 25th September, 2008 the first session was resumed and held a vote of confidence to form the Permanent Standing Committee by electing Samdech Akkar Moha  Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, the President, H.E. Nguon Nhel, First Vice President and H.E. Say Chhoum, Second Vice President, and also elected the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the nine expertise commissions. At the same time, the NA took a vote of confidence for Samdech Akkar Moha Sena Padei Techo  Hun Sen to be the Prime Minister of Cambodia and also voted to form the cabinet of the government by electing Ministers and Secretaries of States for the new term of the government.

The process of the formation of the 4th Legislature of the NA and the government was technically smooth and faster then  previous elections. This was due to the amendment to article 90 of the constitution2. For the last three terms, it took at least one year or more after the elections to form the new term of NA and the Government because the requirement of the quorum and vote of confidence was so high - 2/3 majority3 of all members.

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF CAMBODIA ATTENDED 29TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF AIPA IN SINGAPORE

The Delegation of the Cambodian Parliament led by Samdech Akkar Moha  Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, the President attended the 29th General Assembly of AIPA in Singapore from 18-24 August, 2008. During the assembly, Samdech strongly emphasized the importance of harmonizing laws among ASEAN member states in order to build  an ASEAN community with one voice. He also stressed that members of the parliaments play important roles in building the ASEAN Community base on the ASEAN Charter and self-existing purposes.

Besides, Samdech granted cordial and friendship audience for the delegation of Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

At the audience with the Myanmar delegation, Samdech accepted and supported the recent status of Myanmar as an  AIPA special observer since Myanmar is a country that is recognized by the United Nations and is a full member of ASEAN, and did not support the request made by the government in exile to be a special observer of AIPA. In addition, both sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, and in recognizing the brotherhood of the  two countries expressed the desire to further strengthen and promote the bond, solidarity and mutual cooperation in all fields aimed towards the development of both countries.

Secondly, during the audience with the Thai Delegates, Samdech raised two main points, namely mutual exchanges of views and demarcation of the disputed areas along the borders of the two countries. Samdech clearly emphasized that we are the Legislative body so we should respect each other and we should follow the decision made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague and the French-Siam Treaties. Samdech strongly stated that the best way to solve issues should be through negotiations or peaceful means. Therefore, the border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand must be resolved through diplomatic channels and based on legalities. Additionally, Samdech insisted that as members of the ASEAN, we should respect each other’s sovereignty. We should never invade each other’s territories; but to instead jointly cooperate and strengthen relations, solidarity and cooperation towards mutual economic growth and development for the people of the two countries.

On the occasion of the courtesy call with the Vietnamese National Assembly delegation, His Excellency the Head of the Vietnamese Delegation expressed high appreciation of the results of the 4th mandate of the General Election and congratulated CPP for its landslide victory. He went on to say that the election process was smooth, free, fair, just, transparent, non-violent and democratic. The Head of of the Vietnamese Delegation also hoped that the two countries will continue to further strengthen the friendship, bonds, solidarity, and cooperation in all sectors. His Excellency promised to encourage more Vietnamese investors to Cambodia aimed at helping the development of both countries.  Furthermore, His Excellency the Head of the Vietnamese Delegation supported Cambodia’s effortsat finding ways and means to solve the demarcation disputes with Thailand through diplomatic channels. He also proposed that the exchange visits between Cambodia-Vietnam National Assemblies be increased in order to exchange mutually beneficial experiences and knowledge.

In response to his counterpart, Samdech supported and accepted the above mentioned proposals. Samdech also said that Cambodia tries her best to solve the border disputes with Thailand through diplomatic means and to avoid the use of military force.

KOREAN AND JAPAN INVESTORS PAID A COURTESY CALL ON SAMDECH AKKAR MOHA PONHEA CHAKREI HENG SAMRIN, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.

On 29 August 2008, Samdech granted an audience at the NA Palace to Korean and Japanese investors, Mr. KIM KWANG JIN and Mr. YOSHITAKA KITAO. The two investors informed Samdech that they are recently investing in the banking sector and mine exploration in Cambodia. They would like to respectively invite Samdech to preside over the occasion of Phnom Penh Commercial Bank’s inauguration on 1 September 2008.

Samdech accepted the invitation and mentioned that the friendship, relationship, and cooperation between the three countries have been significantly improved and strengthened.  Samdech asked them to assist in encouraging other investors to invest more in Cambodia. He also said that Cambodianow enjoys full peace, and the people now understand more about democracy. Obviously, the 4th mandate of the general election went smoothly and was free, fair and transparent. Samdech also mentioned the invasion of Thailand into Cambodian territory in Preah Vihea compound (Sikha Kiri Svarak pagoda), Ta Mon Thom and Ta Mon Touch temples, and strongly emphasized that Cambodia steadfastly stands on the principles of peaceful co-existence. He considers the principles of a peacefully negotiated  settlement to be the main goal to avoid war between two neighboring countries.

PHILIPPINES AMBASSADOR PAID A FAREWELL CALL ON SAMDECH AKKAR MOHA PONHEA CHAKREI HENG SAMRIN, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Samdech ganted Her Excellency Mrs. LOUPDES GMORAD, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Cambodia a farewell call on the occasion of Her Excellency the Ambassador’s termination of her 3-year term of diplomatic mission in Cambodia.

During the meeting, H.E. Mrs. LOUPDES congratulated  Cambodia for a general election that was free, just and transparent. She also invited Samdech to pay a state visit to the Philippines.

Samdech expressed his appreciation of Mrs. LOUPDES’ successful mission and said that Cambodia-Philippines relations have been improved and strengthened. He also informed her that under the win-win policy Cambodia gains full peace, stability, economic growth and more development. Samdech also mentioned about the recent issues between Thailand and Cambodia and told her that the best way to solve the issues is to hold peaceful talks, and that is what Cambodiahas been adhering to.