The Cambodian national assembly has met for the first time since elections were held four months ago.

The two main parties -- the Cambodia People's Party and its rival, the royalist FUNCIPEC party -- have formed a coalition, sharing ministerial positions between them.

Under the CPP Prime Minister Hun Sen, FUNCIPEC leader Prince Norodom Ranariddh becomes speaker of the assembly, with two CPP members as his deputies.The opening session of parliament was largely a formality, the only voice of dissent coming from the opposition, MP Sam Rainsy.

He said parliament should be an important part of Cambodia's democratic process and not simply a rubber stamp.

Seven MPs from Sam Rainsy's party stayed away from the session, they left Cambodia two months ago, saying they feared for their own safety.