Party Politburo Member Dr Bounthong Chitmany yesterday took up his position as President of the Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee, replacing Mr Asang Laoly who moves to a new post.

Dr Bounthong was elected to the position at the preliminary session of the 9th Congress of the Party Central Committee in March in response to the political needs of the country.

A ceremony to transfer the position to Dr Bounthong from Mr Asang took place in Vientiane yesterday, and was attended by other high-ranking Party officials.

Among them were standing member of the Party Secretariat Committee and Vice President of Laos Mr Bounnhang Vorachit.

Mr Asang is a Party Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister of Laos.

During his five-year term, numerous items of legislation were enacted including laws related to inspection and anti-corruption. A draft anti-corruption strategy plan was also drawn up.

This legislation provides the legal instruments to address undesirable activities among government officials.

The Inspection Committee, under the leadership of Mr Asang, monitored infrastructure projects including roads and carried out inspections to prevent illegal logging and improper vehicle imports.

Mr Asang expressed his belief that Dr Bounthong would continue to make great progress in this work.

Prior to this, Dr Bounthong was the Head of the Personnel Organisation of the Party Central Committee. This post has now been given to the Secretariat Committee member of the Party Central Committee, Mr Chansy Phosikham.

The position transfer ceremony was witnessed by other Party leaders and Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit.

Mr Bounnhang said reshuffles such as this were common in Laos as the Party aims to strengthen its various agencies by placing personnel according to their abilities.

Last week, member of the Secretariat Committee of the Party Central Committee Mr Soukanh Mahalath was appointed Mayor of Vientiane, replacing Mr Sombat Yialiher.

Many more changes in the leadership of Laos are expected to take place soon. The preliminary session of the National Assembly will approve the new president, vice president and prime minister of Laos, as well as cabinet members.