Minister of Education Hang Chuon Naron was questioned in front of a parliamentary panel yesterday, offering lawmakers a nine-point policy for reforming the Kingdom’s educational sector, according to a ministry official.

Though he had been summoned by the opposition head of the National Assembly’s seventh commission, Yem Ponharith, Chuon Naron was questioned only by ruling party commission members due to Ponharith’s absence.

Neither lawmakers nor the minister spoke to the press following the hearing.

But ministry spokesman Ros Salin said afterwards that Chuon Naron had briefed the commission on his reform agenda – which includes attracting better teachers, developing training institutions and increasing salaries, along with six other points.

“These policies will be implemented continuously, and the minister of education hopes they will help the education system in the country to move ahead faster, just like other developing countries,” Salin said.

Lem Bunsidaret, the CNRP secretary of the commission, said that the commission’s opposition members had been absent to attend an urgent meeting about party leader Sam Rainsy, but had sent substitutes to make a report.