Keeping the peace: Lt-Jen Zahani (front and centre, in blue), senior officers and members of the IOT before the latter depart for Cambodia, at Subang Air Base. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
SUBANG: Ten officers from the Interim Observer Team (IOT) have been deployed to Cambodia to monitor the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand.
Led by Brig-Jen Datuk Asri Shukor of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the team also includes five officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with two officers each from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Joint Forces commander Lt-Jen Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin said the team was established at the invitation of the Cambodian government, while discussions with Thailand are still ongoing.
“Malaysia, as the lead nation, has been given the mandate to coordinate this mission with Indonesia and the Philippines.
“We are also looking forward to Singapore and Brunei joining in the near future,” he told reporters at the IOT send-off ceremony at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base here yesterday.
The contingent departed at 11am yesterday aboard a C-130 Hercules transport, arriving in Phnom Penh after a three-hour flight.
They will be stationed at Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey, about 40km from the Thai border, conducting daily and weekly patrols to ensure the ceasefire is upheld.
Lt-Jen Zahani said the formation of the IOT reflects Asean solidarity in promoting peaceful solutions through dialogue and professional, neutral monitoring.
“The mission is temporary, with an initial deployment of three months. However, the duration may be extended depending on the situation and Cambodia’s approval,” he said.
He noted that one of the challenges is impartiality, as the team currently operates only from the Cambodian side.
“Thailand has yet to accept the IOT despite clear terms of reference, so our officers have been reminded to ensure reports remain neutral and unbiased,” he said.
Similar to United Nations observer missions, the IOT will not be armed but are equipped with four-wheel-drive vehicles, communication systems and other facilities.
Lt-Jen Zahani said the team’s swift mobilisation demonstrates that Malaysia’s readiness and professionalism is in line with international standards.
