Prum Sokha, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Interior, this week answered questions on the deal.

Are you happy?

Of course. Not just me, everyone, because the deal shows that our national unity remains, that peace, stability and development are the main targets of every party sitting in the National Assembly.

Do you think the new parliament will work well?

I think so, because now the opposition has enough power to get the system to work with checks and balances, and I think that from now on, the parliament is not, as some say, the rubber stamp of the government anymore.

What major differences between the parties remain?

I think the main challenge is the trust and confidence between the two parties.

Will the sub-committees that the CNRP chair be able to amend or block legislation?

If they wish to do that they can. But I think if the opposition joined the National Assembly with the aim of blocking the government’s democratic institutions, I think that is not a good idea. What they agreed in the agreement, they need to respect democratic principles and the rule of law.

Will the CNRP-controlled committees be able to summon government and compel it to answer questions?

They have that full right according to the internal rules. Now it is time for them to use their power.