Cambodia's Parliament to welcome first-ever female prez in history

Phnom Penh: Khuon Sudary will take office as the president of the National Assembly of Cambodia in the new five-year-term National Assembly, becoming the first woman to hold the top job in the country, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said.

Sudary, 70, is the second Vice-President of the National Assembly and a member of the Standing Committee of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP).

"Khuon Sudary will become the president of the National Assembly in the new term, which is a practice to enhance the role of women," the Prime Minister said on Wednesday in a voice message released publicly.

He added that Cheam Yeap, the current first Vice-President, will retain his position in the new term, and Vong Sauth, current Minister of social affairs, veterans and youth rehabilitation, will assume the second Vice-President of this legislative body, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement came after the ruling CPP led by the Prime Minister won a landslide victory in the July 23 general election, gaining 120 out of 125 seats in the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister said the new-term National Assembly and government will be formed on August 21 and August 22, respectively.

With inputs from agencies

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