Abim: Ceasefire shows Malaysia's strength in conflict mediation

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, describing it as a significant diplomatic achievement under Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair.
In a statement today, Abim extended its highest commendation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his role in brokering the deal, which takes effect at midnight.
The ceasefire is expected to de-escalate rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, which have already led to casualties and threatened regional stability.
The ceasefire was announced following a special meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, hosted by Anwar at Kompleks Seri Perdana in Putrajaya.
Abim's president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said the success reaffirmed Asean's relevance as a regional conflict resolution platform and underscored Malaysia's ability to unite member states with the backing of global powers such as the United States and China, who co-sponsored the talks.
"Abim applauds Malaysia's proactive role in restoring regional stability through principled, inclusive, and effective diplomatic engagement," he said.
Abim urged these powers to continue supporting Asean's peace-first approach and to avoid exploiting regional tensions for strategic gain.
"It also called for respect for regional leadership and efforts to strengthen local capacity in resolving disputes with sovereignty and dignity," he said in a statement.
The group urged all parties to honour the ceasefire and halt any further acts of armed provocation.
It also proposed the formation of an independent and neutral Asean-led monitoring team to ensure smooth implementation of the truce.
"As a show of regional solidarity, Asean humanitarian aid must be delivered urgently to all affected communities, particularly displaced families and those who have lost loved ones or homes in the conflict."
Abim appealed to the people of both countries, including social media users, to refrain from spreading hate speech, provocation or unfounded allegations that could undermine efforts towards peace.
As part of its ongoing commitment to peacebuilding, Abim said it would continue working with civil society networks across the region to promote dialogue, assist victims of conflict, and ensure that the voices of ordinary people are included in peace efforts.
The group also proposed the formation of an Asean Civil Society Conference for Regional Peace and an Asean Peace Education Programme, aimed at youth and communities in border areas.