Cambodian parliament passes judicial reform laws amid opposition boycott

Cambodia's ruling party- controlled National Assembly has unanimously passed three laws, designed to strengthen the country's judicial system, despite ongoing boycott of parliament by the main opposition party.

The Law on the Organization of the Judiciary was adopted on Thursday, and the Laws on the Organization and Function of the Supreme Council of Magistracy and on the Statutes of Judges and Prosecutors were approved on Friday.

Chheang Von, a senior lawmaker of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, urged all judges and prosecutors to be neutral, just and honest in deciding cases when the laws come into effect.

Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana said, "The laws will guarantee the independence of the judiciary, maintain discipline of judges, and assure the good functioning of the Cambodian courts. "

The government said last month that the making of the three laws was a crucial start on legal and judicial reforms.

"The laws will be a fundamental base for the government to achieve its vision in strengthening good governance and the rule of law," it said.

Under the kingdom's constitution, the laws need to be finally reviewed by the Senate and signed by King Norodom Sihamoni before being promulgated.