PHNOM PENH – The National Assembly of Cambodia on Tuesday adopted a draft law on military conscription, which will require young male adults to fulfil military obligation for two years.

A total of 114 lawmakers in attendance, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, unanimously approved the draft bill, which aims at building the capacity of the armed forces in national defense.

According to the law, Cambodian citizens aged between 18 and 25 years old must fulfill military duty for two years. However, for women, it is voluntary.

After fulfilling their military obligation, they will become reserve soldiers until the age of 45.

Military obligation also applies to Cambodians with dual nationality who are living in Cambodia, the law said, adding that the duty is exempted for monks, priests, and people with disabilities.

Anyone evading military obligation will face six months to five years in jail and a fine, depending on the aggravation and circumstances, the bill said.

Hun Manet said the law will serve as a solid legal instrument with a comprehensive strategy for the highly professional and effective development of the national defense.

"Finding and maintaining peace is not something we can beg others for; it must come from within ourselves," he told the parliament. "We must be strong by ourselves."

He said the Southeast Asian nation had a law on compulsory military service in 2006, but it did not yet cover all aspects, so the government had decided to make this law again.

This new bill will need to be finally reviewed by the Senate before being submitted to King Norodom Sihamoni for promulgation.