A bridge for peace: Anwar on a call with Cambodia’s PM. — Photo from Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will continue to play its role as a fair and responsible facilitator to help Cambodia and Thailand achieve a lasting resolution to their border issue, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said he had contacted Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet to assess the latest developments regarding the border spat between Cambodia and Thailand.
“In that discussion, I expressed sincere appreciation for the mature approach taken by Cambodia, which continues to choose the path of peace and prioritises resolution through negotiation and constructive dialogue,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
Anwar emphasised Malaysia’s full support for Cambodia’s position to use channels that have been mutually agreed upon previously.
He said Malaysia also expressed its support to Cambodia for its position to uphold the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord as the foundation to end the prolonged dispute.
Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the peace accord on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26, witnessed by Anwar and US President Donald Trump.
Anwar said the principle of using agreed channels and upholding the peace accord was important to ensure differences were addressed calmly, in an orderly manner and based on regional understanding.
“As a nation firmly committed to regional peace, Malaysia will continue to play its role as a fair and responsible facilitator, particularly in helping both friendly nations achieve a lasting resolution and contribute to strengthening stability in this region,” he added.
In an earlier Facebook post yesterday, Anwar said both the Cambodian and Thai prime ministers had given positive feedback and reaffirmed their commitment to find a peaceful resolution, thereby adhering to the terms agreed upon in the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord.
“I reiterated Malaysia’s position that the friendship and ceasefire between both countries must be further strengthened in accordance with the agreement concluded in Kuala Lumpur last month.
“I also conveyed Malaysia’s readiness to continue playing our role as a facilitator in charting this path towards peace,” Anwar said.
He added that both prime ministers also expressed their appreciation for Malaysia’s stance and the role it has undertaken, not just as Asean chair but also as a regional friend and neighbour committed to peace.
“May both countries continue to show determination and courage to restore stability along their borders for lasting peace in the region and the safety of their people,” Anwar said.
