AKP Phnom Penh, July 11, 2025 --

All 125 lawmakers from various political parties represented in the National Assembly (NA) this morning unanimously approved the proposed amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The approval took place during the 4th session of the NA’s 7th legislature, held at the NA Palace in Phnom Penh under the chairmanship of Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the NA.

The two-article amendment seeks to establish a legal framework that enables the revocation of Cambodian citizenship from any individual found guilty of treason or of collaborating with foreign entities to seriously harm the interests of Cambodia and its people.

According to Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the law on the revocation of Khmer citizenship is not a new concept in Cambodia, as it already existed during the Sangkum Reastr Niyum era (1955–1970).

H.E. Koeut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, who represented the Royal Government in defending the proposed amendment, clarified that the initiative aims to safeguard national sovereignty by targeting individuals who conspire with foreign powers to undermine the nation. He emphasised that the measure will not affect citizens who remain loyal to Cambodia.

He also noted that Cambodia is not alone in adopting such legal measures. Approximately 150 countries worldwide, including 28 in Asia and 18 in Europe, have laws permitting the revocation of citizenship. Among these are some of the world’s most established democracies, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, Belgium, Singapore, India, and South Korea.

By C. Nika