The National Assembly of Cambodia has strongly criticised opposition leader Sam Rainsy for remarking that the fifth legislature is unable to represent the people’s aspirations, accusing him of seriously hurting the role of King Norodom Sihamoni.

The strongly-worded reprimand was made after Sam Rainsy, President of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) sent a message to the King on April 2, saying that the current Cambodian parliament is illegal as it only gathers representatives from the ruling Cambodia People’s Party.

An Assembly statement released on April 4 said that the fifth legislature represents Cambodian voters and people’s aspirations via a free and democratic election. It added that the operation of the body is in line with the constitution and law.

Meanwhile, the statement accused 55 CNRP lawmakers of denying their roles and responsibilities. It said the opposition party had boycotted parliament, held street demonstrations that led to violence, social and security disorder and caused material and spiritual losses for people as well as affecting the country’s image.

It concluded that the acts by the CNRP are going against the mission of parliamentarians to support and protect the supreme role of the King in any circumstances.-VNA