Phnom Penh: In a rare public statement, HM King Norodom Sihamoni has expressed his appreciation for the work of Cambodia’s National Assembly. It got back to work on Thursday morning, holding its first meeting in over three months. It was the 6th Session of the 6th Legislature.

His Majesty thanked members of the legislature, led by President of the National Assembly, Mr. Heng Samrin, for “efficiently and effectively” drafting and implementing laws to assist in the prevention of Covid-19, particularly in the wake of the 20 February Community Transmission Event.

Acknowledging that it has been a difficult time, the King noted that the circumstances had been “complicated”, but that members of the legislature had remained committed to understand and solve the country’s challenges, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Sen. The King made special mention of the Health Ministry’s preventative measures, as well as the country’s hugely successful vaccination drive.

During Thursday’s session, the National Assembly had nine points on its agenda, including the appointment of the new chairman of the country’s National Election Committee. Mr. Prach Chan’s nomination has now been approved. His first job will be to organise Cambodia’s next Commune Elections, scheduled for June 2022.