Minority leader title to be part of internal rules

Working groups from the ruling and opposition parties met yesterday to finalise amendments that will be made to the internal regulations of parliament to officially recognise a minority leader.

Talks between Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Friday netted the concession for Rainsy, who leads the only opposition in parliament and will obtain a rank equal to the premier’s after the rules are amended.

Ou Chanrith, an opposition CNRP lawmaker who took part in the meeting, said the amendments would likely be sent to the National Assembly next month for approval. “I can’t say exactly the wording, but basically the minority leader is to have dialogue with the ruling party leader on national issues,” he said.