According to Xinhua/AP, Cambodia's National Assembly (Lower House) on July 13 passed a controversial bill on associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), despite a boycott by opposition lawmakers and protests.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

All 68 lawmakers from the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), including Prime Minister Hun Sen, voted in favor of the bill, while 55 lawmakers from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) boycotted the vote.

According to regulations, to be passed, the above bill needs to receive the support of more than 50% of the members of parliament, equivalent to 62 votes. However, it still needs to be passed by the Senate before becoming law.

The move came as hundreds of protesters gathered outside the National Assembly building to protest the bill, which critics say will give Cambodian authorities sweeping powers to crack down on civil society groups that challenge the government.

According to Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng, there are currently about 5,000 associations and NGOs operating in this Southeast Asian country./.

(According to AP/VN+)