Cambodian Prime Minster Hun Sen said on Wednesday that opposition parties’ and NGOs who want to amend the anti-corruption law should wait until they win an elections victory in 2013.
The premier’s confirmation was made as the National Assembly (NA) held a session to discuss the draft law for a whole day with 106 lawmakers from the Cambodian People’s Party (CCP) and Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), though Human Rights Party (HRP) lawmakers boycotted the session. The session took place as planned despite a request for a delay from NGOs and the opposition.
“I call on all worried persons to wait until following 2013 election victory. If you win, you can amend the law,” the premier said during a national conference on the new Penal Code at the InterContinental Hotel.
SRP lawmaker Kim Souphirin he asked to delay the session to let all have enough time check this important law.
Related to assets declarations, the PM said that not only government officials, but also opposition and NGOs officials must declare their assets, both in the country and overseas.
The NA adopted two chapters of the anti-draft law on Wednesday by 84/99 support. Another session will be held today.

NA passes anti-corruption law chapters
The Cambodian National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday finally began debat- ing the draft anti-corruption law. The law has been long awaited, and it is hoped the law will promote transparency and the rule of law, boosting economic growth.
The NA approved two of the nine chapters of the law in a single day, despite being asked to postpone by civil society and the political opposition because of an unclear definition of the word corruption and the process of the body set up to combat corruption.  
The Cambodian parliament is dominated by lawmakers from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, which won a landslide election victory in July 2008 with 90 of 123 NA seats. To pass laws, a party needs 50 seats plus one.
The law has nine chapters with 57 articles and according to this law, civil servants, judges, members of the military, and legislators would need to disclose their wealth. Bribery and corruption can be punished by prison terms ranging from seven days to 15 years.