Fourth Parliamentary Mandate Kicks off

By Soy Sophea

The newly-elected National Assembly members for the Fourth Parliamentary Mandate have started meeting on September 24, 2008 at the National Assembly. The first meeting was presided over by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, the king of Cambodia.

At the ceremony to mark the first official meeting, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni delivered a royal speech to the 123 newly-elected parliamentarians though it was noted that four of them were absent.

The King said that the first meeting of the fourth mandate presented a new and historic opportunity for the nation’s legislative body.

His Majesty continued, “I strongly believe that all of you will work hard to serve the best interests of the nation by giving top priority to the development of national rather than personal advantage.”

“All laws adopted by parliamentarians are used as a shining guide to help the government take action in developing and defending the nation. We also want to enhance the quality of Cambodian life, making it more prosperous, peaceful and stable; where liberty and respect for human rights are recognized as the source of all authority in the nation,” the King added.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen told reporters after the meeting that the event was a historical landmark for Cambodians as all except four parliamentarians came to join the first event of the fourth parliamentary mandate under the royal presidency of the Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.

“Today is an auspicious day and I thank King Norodom Sihamoni for His Majesty’s presence at the first meeting of the new parliamentary mandate,” Samdech Techo said. “This [the National Assembly Building] can be considered as a new location for our activities, and the new King’s first official opening of a meeting for the fourth mandate.”

The 123 newly elected members received their mandates following the National Elections held on July 27, 2008. As a result, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party won 90 seats, the Sam Rainsy Party claimed 26 seats, the Human Rights Party three seats, the Norodom Ranariddh Party two seats, and Funcinpec Party two seats.

Following the first meeting of the fourth mandate of the National Assembly of September 24, King Norodom Sihamoni issued a Royal Decree to appoint Samdech Techo Hun Sen the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.