
Malaysia to continue facilitating Cambodia-Thai peace talks
Speaking to reporters after the Budget 2026 consultation session here yesterday, he said the defence ministers of both countries had met him earlier and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a ceasefire agreement.
'Alhamdulillah, they want Malaysia to continue coordinating. Both sides have pledged to observe the terms and maintain the ceasefire.'
Anwar said while minor issues remain, they can be resolved amicably.
He said Asean defence attaches are expected to assist but a full-scale Asean intervention is not necessary at this stage.
'This remains a bilateral matter between Cambodia and Thailand, with Malaysia acting as facilitator.
'China and the US have offered logistical support but are not directly involved in border monitoring.'
Asked why both countries were able to reach an initial agreement, Anwar said the ceasefire alone signified meaningful progress.
'These border disputes go back hundreds of years. What's important is that differing views don't necessarily lead to tension.
'As a maritime nation, Malaysia too has had disagreements with its neighbours, but that has never stopped us from fostering close and friendly ties.'
In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Anwar said the leaders had also discussed the proposed deployment of an Asean Observer Team to support monitoring efforts, humanitarian aid and medical coordination at the border.
'Malaysia will continue to support this process, in the belief that lasting peace is only possible through dialogue, mutual respect and genuine friendship.'
On Tuesday, Anwar said talks to resolve the border tensions were expected to conclude by Thursday.
Cambodia and Thailand had earlier agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire during a special meeting chaired by Anwar in Putrajaya on July 28.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Beyond disputes: Turning Ambalat and Pedra Branca into platforms for maritime cooperation
THE maritime disputes over Ambalat and Batu Puteh are complex. Ambalat, located in the resource-rich Sulawesi Sea, is claimed by Malaysia and Indonesia since the early 2000s. The area is believed to contain significant hydrocarbon reserves, and both countries have issued oil exploration licences that have led to diplomatic protests and naval stand-offs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently emphasised the role of Sabah — which is the Malaysian state closest to the area — in ensuring that any joint development has equitable outcomes for border communities. Meanwhile, the dispute over Batu Puteh was partially resolved in 2008 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded sovereignty over it to Singapore. In the same judgment, the ICJ ruled that Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia, while sovereignty over South Ledge would rest with the state in whose territorial waters it is located. As the ICJ did not delimit maritime boundaries, South Ledge's status is unresolved. In recent years, bilateral efforts have intensified to resolve outstanding maritime issues. At the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in January, both governments agreed to begin technical work to delimit maritime boundaries in the Johor Strait, using the 1927 Territorial Waters Agreement as a legal basis. Singapore's continued engagement through the Joint Technical Committee reflects its commitment to resolve maritime issues through dialogue and legal frameworks. These disputes reflect deeper questions of sovereignty, historical memory and control over vital sea lanes. But they also present an opportunity to transform contested maritime zones into shared spaces of cooperation. Malaysia and Indonesia should consider establishing a joint development authority (JDA) to manage resources and reduce tensions over Ambalat. Similarly, Malaysia and Singapore could explore cooperative arrangements around Middle Rocks and South Ledge, focusing on maritime safety, environmental stewardship and scientific research. Such frameworks — already proven in the Malaysia-Thailand JDA in the Gulf of Thailand — would allow all parties to benefit economically while preserving their legal positions. Importantly, joint development does not require any party to relinquish its claims. Under Article 83 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , states are encouraged to reach provisional arrangements pending final delimitation. Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have played pivotal roles in Asean's evolution and have consistently advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and regional stability. Their cooperation on Ambalat and Batu Puteh could serve as a model for other maritime disputes in Southeast Asia, including in the South China Sea. A coordinated initiative involving Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore — each addressing their respective maritime disputes — could serve as a model for broader governance reforms within Asean, strengthening its commitment to pragmatic diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Public discourse in all three countries must focus on collaboration. Parliamentarians, diplomats and civil society leaders should advocate for open dialogue, confidence-building measures and creative legal solutions. The media should frame these disputes as opportunities for partnership. Ambalat and Batu Puteh should be reimagined as foundations for a shared maritime future — where sovereignty concerns are balanced with economic pragmatism and regional solidarity. The establishment of JDAs would not only unlock resource potential but also signal that Southeast Asia is capable of resolving disputes through diplomacy and innovation. During the recent Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to resolving the Ambalat dispute through peaceful means. Both leaders agreed to explore joint development initiatives as they recognise that legal processes may take years. This bilateral momentum reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. On the Batu Puteh front, Singapore has likewise shown its willingness to cooperate. These parallel bilateral engagements — Malaysia with Indonesia over Ambalat, and Malaysia with Singapore over Batu Puteh — signal a commitment to regional stability, peaceful dispute resolution and collaborative maritime governance.


The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Indigenous voices key to Malaysia's unity agenda, says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The voices of indigenous communities will remain central to Malaysia's national unity agenda, ensuring social justice and cultural recognition. Deputy National Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami emphasised the Orang Asli and indigenous groups as vital to the nation's demographic and cultural identity. 'Efforts to recognise, protect and empower these communities must be continuous and inclusive,' she said at the Citra Nusa@Muzium Programme: ASEAN Natives and Indigenous Festival 2025. The event, held at the National Museum, celebrates Malaysia's ASEAN Chair role and International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. It showcases cultural heritage from Malaysia's Orang Asli and ASEAN ethnic groups like Indonesia's Mentawai and Thailand's Karen. Saraswathy described the festival as a platform to highlight Malaysia's diverse heritage and boost public appreciation of its cultural wealth. JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim stressed that indigenous communities are not marginalised but key contributors to national progress. 'We aim to show their success in leadership, entrepreneurship and even social influence,' he said, citing Orang Asli influencer Nur Rafidah Man. The festival's theme, 'Dahulu & Kini', features traditional dances like Sabah's Sumazau and Sarawak's Ngajat. Visitors can explore craft demonstrations, traditional food preparation, and indigenous handicraft sales. Interactive activities include blowpipe competitions, kerchang games, and children's contests. The two-day event underscores Malaysia's commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous heritage. - Bernama


Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
PM Anwar visits comedian Amir Raja Lawak, offers support for ailing father
KOTA BHARU, Aug 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today spent about 30 minutes visiting popular comedian Mohammad Amirullah Azmi, better known as Amir Raja Lawak, at the latter's shop near the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, here. Anwar was accompanied by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. During the meeting with Amir, 39, Anwar expressed concern for the comedian's father, who is undergoing treatment for colon cancer at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), in Kubang Kerian. As a gesture of support, Anwar and Mohd Nassuruddin presented a cash donation to Amir. The visit followed Amir's Facebook post yesterday, in which he expressed his wish to meet the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Amir expressed his gratitude and said he was deeply moved to meet Anwar. 'I only posted on Facebook because I knew the Prime Minister would be attending the closing ceremony of the PMR (MADANI Rakyat Programme) near my shop. 'I asked who was arranging for his (Anwar's) presence, and I didn't think the Prime Minister himself knew about my problem. Amir said that he was informed by the Prime Minister's political secretary Datuk Farhan Fauzi yesterday, that Anwar would be stopping by his shop. 'I am very grateful and surprised. I thought that only the Prime Minister would be present, but many other senior leaders were there as well,' he said. — Bernama