PHNOM PENH (Bernama): The Cambodian National Assembly unanimously approved a draft constitutional amendment to strip Cambodian citizenship from individuals who commit treason or engage with foreign entities to undermine the government.
All 125 members of the National Assembly approved the amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia during a parliamentary session held on Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Koeut Rith said the move is to protect Cambodia's sovereignty, targeting those who work against the national interest.
"The initiative aims to safeguard national sovereignty by targeting individuals who conspire with foreign powers to undermine the nation.
"The measure will not affect citizens who remain loyal to Cambodia,” he said, as quoted by state media Agence Kampuchea Presse.
The move to denaturalise citizens was mooted amid escalating tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border since May 28.
This proposed amendment on Friday now paves the way for the creation of a legal framework to revoke citizenship.
Rith also said Cambodia is hardly alone in pushing for such legislation. - Bernama
