ALOR SETAR: Malaysia has reaffirmed her commitment to playing a stronger role in safeguarding peace and stability across Asean, especially with the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, says the Prime Minister.
“Regional tension has somewhat eased but I must stress the situation is being closely monitored with every Asean member working together to ensure there is lasting peace and stability in the region,” said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He recalled that when Malaysia took over the Asean chairmanship, South-East Asia was among the most peaceful regions in the world.
“Today, however, the situation is a little tense. But for now, we have managed to control and monitor the situation,” he said when closing the state-level Program Madani Rakyat (PMR) 2025.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Meeting the people: Anwar attending the state-level PMR closing ceremony in Baling, Kedah. Accompanying him are Ahmad Zahid and Saifuddin Nasution. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
The Prime Minister said Malaysia’s success in mediating peace between Thailand and Cambodia was not solely due to his leadership but was the collective effort of Asean partners.
“That is why I said it is important to know and appreciate our history.
“I could not have done this without the Defence Ministry, the Home Ministry, the government, the police, the armed forces and the Foreign Ministry all working in unity,” he said.
On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a successful special meeting hosted and chaired by Anwar.
The two neighbours had also confirmed their willingness to de-escalate tensions.
Tensions had flared on May 28 after a skirmish between Thai and Cambodian forces near the disputed Preah Vihear border in Cambodia, reviving their decades-old territorial row along the 817km frontier.
