KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional on Monday (Aug 4) congratulated and commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his key role in arranging a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
Perikatan deputy chairman and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the coalition welcomed any Malaysian involvement in efforts to strengthen regional stability.
"Whatever role played by the Honourable Tambun member (Anwar), even if described by some as simply that of a host, it remains a contribution that will be recorded in history. I offer my congratulations and appreciation.
"What’s important is that Malaysia continues to be respected as a sovereign nation and is regarded as a credible balancing power in the Southeast Asian region,” he said when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar.
At the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also agreed to convene a General Border Committee Meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement.
In line with this, Hamzah called for Malaysia to remain consistent in championing global peace and to boldly express firm stances against all forms of cruelty and oppression, especially in light of Monday’s fragile geopolitical environment.
"The ongoing humanitarian crisis and genocide in Gaza, the war in Eastern Europe, prolonged conflicts in the Middle East, and the tensions between Thailand and Cambodia all have direct or indirect impacts on Malaysia.
"To safeguard the country’s diplomatic and strategic interests from all angles, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the entire Cabinet bear a great responsibility to ensure their statements and actions remain composed and measured," he said.
On the 19% tariff imposed by the United States on Malaysia, Hamzah said Perikatan holds a firm view that the country must trade with dignity, especially in defending its sovereignty and national interests.
The US has imposed a 19% tariff on Malaysian goods effective Aug 1, a drop from the 25% it proposed earlier. - Bernama
