Anwar: focused on peace, not pressure in ASEAN conflict
The Prime Minister firmly dismissed the claim that there was external pressure from global powers, reaffirming that the major breakthrough came through direct regional diplomacy.
'I just focused on the solution. That's what I conveyed to both China and the United States,' Anwar said during a meeting with the Association of Malaysian Indonesian Journalists (ISWAMI) and chief editors of major Indonesian media outlets here today.
Anwar said that he personally contacted both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on July 24, leading to a temporary ceasefire between the two nations.
'They needed some time for their troops to withdraw, but unfortunately, the conflict resumed the following day (July 25),' he said.
Anwar was responding to speculations suggesting that the ceasefire was a result of pressure from United States President Donald Trump, allegedly tied to tariff threats against Cambodia and Thailand.
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya, Malaysia, yesterday, which was chaired by Anwar himself and attended by both Hun Manet and Phumtham.
The meeting received widespread international media coverage, including in Indonesia, with many commending Anwar's role in facilitating the landmark ceasefire and reinforcing Malaysia's position as a constructive force in regional diplomacy. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
27 minutes ago
- The Sun
Putin backs high-speed rail projects for Russia's growing economy
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasised the importance of high-speed railway projects, stating they will meet public demand and support Russia's expanding economy. In a video address marking Railway Workers' Day, Putin underscored their role in strengthening Russia's position as a key Eurasian logistics hub. 'I am confident that these projects matter for our people and our expanding economy. They will reinforce Russia's standing as a major logistics hub for the entire Eurasian continent by creating new opportunities for competitive international routes, including the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor,' Putin said. High-speed railways, designed for trains travelling 200–400 km/h, are new to Russia. The first project, connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg, is set for completion in 2028, reducing travel time to just 2 hours and 15 minutes. This line is the first of five approved high-speed rail projects. Subsequent routes will link Moscow to Yekaterinburg, Adler, Minsk, and Ryazan, enhancing domestic and international connectivity. - Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti
BusinessToday
31 minutes ago
- BusinessToday
Malaysia's Political Stability Key To Hosting Thai-Cambodia Ceasefire Talks, Anwar Claims
Malaysia's growing reputation as a politically stable and diplomatically balanced nation was a key factor in its selection as host for the July 28 ceasefire negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. The landmark meeting, chaired by Anwar in Putrajaya, led to an agreement for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two neighbouring nations. The talks brought together Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who also agreed to convene a General Border Committee to support the peace process. 'Malaysia was chosen because of our stable political environment and developing economy. 'We are proud to be seen as a neutral, trusted country in the region — one that can bring conflicting parties to the table,' Anwar said. He emphasised that the selection underscores Malaysia's rising stature in regional diplomacy and ASEAN leadership. 'As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has been proactive in advocating for peace and stability amid growing geopolitical tensions across Southeast Asia,' he noted. Anwar also revealed that international leaders took note of Malaysia's successful mediation, with US President Donald Trump personally expressing appreciation via a phone call. Similar praise came from leaders in China, Germany, France and other Asian nations. 'This is a significant moment for Malaysia on the world stage as two countries entrusted us to mediate a critical conflict. That level of trust reflects the credibility we've built as a peaceful and principled nation,' Anwar said. Following the successful ceasefire agreement, Cambodian Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thai Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit are expected in Kuala Lumpur this week to hold detailed follow-up discussions. As regional tensions simmer and ASEAN grapples with multiple hotspots, Malaysia's calm and consistent diplomacy may prove to be one of the region's most valuable assets.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Cambodia confirms Malaysia-led Asean defence attache team to monitor ceasefire
Japan's Ambassador to Thailand Otaka Masato reacts next to a woman, injured from an artillery shell that struck a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station on July 24, which also resulted in multiple fatalities, as foreign military attaches from major powers and Asean member countries and diplomats from 23 countries inspect the site, following a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, in Sisaket province, Thailand, August 1, 2025. has invited foreign missions based in Phnom Penh to observe the implementation of the ceasefire along the border in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. - Reuters PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's National Defence Ministry announced on Sunday (Aug 3) that an interim Asean Defence Attache Observer Team, led by Malaysia, will monitor the implementation of the ceasefire in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. The team consists of military attaches from seven member states - Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam - will conduct field observations on August 3. Meanwhile, Cambodian top negotiators will head to Kuala Lumpur for the General Border Committee (GBC) negotiations, where the release of 18 soldiers held captive by the Thai army is likely to top their agenda. The soldiers are being held following a border conflict between the countries that erupted on July 24. The bilateral talks, scheduled from August 4 to 7, are part of a ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, which led to temporary de-escalation and pushed back soldiers to their barracks. The GBC talks are being hosted by Malaysia in its capacity as the 2025 Asean Chair, and take place within the framework of the Asean- and internationally backed ceasefire. Cambodia is shoring up diplomatic support. It has invited foreign missions based in Phnom Penh to observe the implementation of the ceasefire along the border in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. More than 20 diplomats and representatives from various United Nations agencies participated in these inspection visits on Friday and Saturday. "It underscores Cambodia's steadfast commitment to international law, de-escalation and continued adherence to the Asean Charter, the UN Charter, and the ceasefire agreement," Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry told a media briefing on Saturday. "Cambodia looks forward to advancing de-escalation efforts through the upcoming General Border Committee meeting." The armed confrontation that broke out on July 24 and lasted for five days triggered a diplomatic pause between Cambodia and Thailand, two neighbours that have yet to resolve their 817-kilometre border dispute dating back to 1907. Dr Kin Phea, Director-General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, emphasised that both governments must honour the ceasefire agreement if lasting peace is to be achieved in the region. "Both sides must maintain utmost restraint and resolve the conflict peacefully under legal frameworks and mechanisms, and both sides must fully and consistently respect international law and the UN Charter,' he told Bernama. The dispute caused over 170,000 Cambodians to vacate their homes in several northern provinces. - Bernama
