As the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party eyes a possible end of its boycott of the National Assembly, the party’s chief whip, Son Chhay, yesterday said he wants the opposition to flex its parliamentary muscle more and push for the dismissal of ineffective ministers or officials via censure motions.

Speaking with reporters at CNRP headquarters, Chhay said the opposition ought to take advantage of its 55 parliamentary seats and request a censure vote under Article 98 of the Constitution.

Such a motion can be brought by 30 lawmakers, but it requires a majority vote to pass – meaning the ruling CPP would almost certainly block such efforts.

“Not only must we follow and monitor but also take action against any official of government who has not fulfilled their work properly,” Chhay said. “This is the mechanism to [carry out] this responsibility, so we must act according to this mechanism.”

Chhay said the CNRP, which has boycotted parliamentary sessions since the attempted arrest of its acting leader in May, would soon discuss returning to the National Assembly.