By John Maloy and Yun Samean
THE CAMBODIA DAILY
The Sam Rainsy Party will challenge a controversial new law that would limit the free speech of Cambodian parliamentarians, Sam Rainsy said Sunday. The law paves the way for authorities to prosecute lawmakers who abuse another individual's dignity, public order, social customs or national security. Sam Rainsy said his party intends to ask the Constitutional Council to review the law, because it is in direct contravention of Article 80 of the Constitution, which forbids legal action against lawmakers for opinions expressed during the exercise of their duties. Sam Rainsy said that some SRP lawmakers voted in favor of the law when it was passed Wednesday because they were in favor of unrelated provisions in the legislation that promised pensions and funeral expenses. Many now realize the mistake, he said. Draft laws can be reviewed by the Constitutional Council at the request of 10 percent of the National Assembly. Constitutional Council member Bin Chhin said that the council would review the law should the request be made. CPP Lawmaker Cheam Yeap said that the law was meant merely to prevent assembly members from abusing their immunity. "Democracy isn't going backwards," he said.
1 comment:
Mr. Cham Yap, What is the evidence to say that "democracy isn't going backward"? I know you have mouth but you can talk realistically too, not just talk for the sake of talking. We cambodian people will be shame because of your word. We know your support of government but not blindly support. You better go to work for government, not for the people at the national assembly. please use your brain to think before speaking.
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