Malaysia ready to mediate Southern Thailand conflict, says PM Anwar
He emphasised Malaysia's commitment to fostering peace in the region to ensure the continuity of Islamic studies and the preservation of the Malay language.
'The issue in Southern Thailand is an internal matter of the Thai government, and I have contacted them, showing their willingness to reduce tensions, particularly the violence,' Anwar said.
He expressed confidence in the Thai leadership's ability to pursue peace and security, enabling development and cultural preservation in the region.
Anwar made these remarks after attending a goodwill gathering with leaders and students of Pusat Pengajian Pondok Yayasan Islam Kelantan in Taman Sri Cempaka.
Earlier reports indicated that Muslim residents in Southern Thailand had requested Anwar's intervention to help resolve the decades-long conflict.
Addressing the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, Anwar hoped for sustained peace between the two nations.
'Efforts to reconcile Thailand and Cambodia must continue, as this benefits our Muslim communities and aligns with our peace initiatives in Myanmar,' he added.
He noted a significant decline in attacks against Rohingya Muslims, reinforcing Malaysia's role in regional stability.
Anwar also announced RM2.1 million in aid for Pusat Pengajian Pondok Yayasan Islam Kelantan to address urgent repairs.
He pledged further support for 246 similar schools nationwide facing poor conditions.
Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud and Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat were present at the event. - Bernama
Hashtags
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.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sultan Ibrahim visits Kazan helicopter plant
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, visited the Kazan Helicopter Plant (KHP) as part of his official visit to Russia. The king was accompanied by Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, during the visit. Upon arrival, Sultan Ibrahim and Minnikhanov were welcomed by KHP director-general Nikolay Yakovlev, according to a statement on the King's official Facebook page. Sultan Ibrahim was briefed on the manufacturing process and the latest technologies used in producing multi-purpose helicopters for commercial, military and search-and-rescue operations. The King also toured the facility to observe assembly operations and quality testing procedures. The Kazan Helicopter Plant is one of the world's largest helicopter manufacturers. Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, which is one of Russia's most prominent autonomous republics and is known for its cultural diversity and Muslim-majority population. Sultan Ibrahim arrived in Kazan on Friday morning for the second part of his state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. Previously, the King said he was pleased with the growing cooperation between the peoples of Malaysia and Tatarstan in economic, institutional and cultural sectors.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid: Singapore leaders commend Malaysia's leadership in addressing Thailand-Cambodia crisis
SINGAPURA, Saturday (Aug 9): Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pays a courtesy call on Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong upon his arrival in Singapore for a two-day working visit and to represent the Malaysian government at Singapore's 2025 National Day Parade. - Photo: Bernama SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore's leaders have expressed their appreciation for Malaysia's leadership in efforts to contain the crisis along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said this was conveyed by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during separate meetings with both leaders on Saturday. "This highlights Malaysia's active role in ensuring regional peace and stability,' he said in a statement on Saturday. Ahmad Zahid is in Singapore for a two-day working visit beginning Saturday and is scheduled to attend the Singapore National Day Parade this evening at the invitation of the Singapore Government. In the separate meetings, he conveyed his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Singapore on the occasion of their 60th National Day celebrations. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said his meeting with Wong, who is also Finance Minister, focused on strengthening long-standing bilateral relations, including strategic projects that have the potential to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and create more job opportunities in Malaysia. "We also discussed new areas of cooperation in tourism, TVET, and strengthening people-to-people ties as the foundation for long-term understanding,' he said. Both leaders also examined ways to share best practices in enhancing laws related to the gig economy, which has become one of the key sectors in both countries. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Singapore are studying the matter from legal and policy perspectives to ensure industry players, especially gig workers, receive appropriate protection and have their welfare safeguarded. "In this context, I also shared Malaysia's initiatives in supporting gig workers through social protection and progressive policies, as part of efforts to build a competitive digital economy,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said that in his discussion with Gan, they agreed on the importance of fully harnessing ASEAN's large market potential to boost bilateral trade. "I also emphasised Malaysia's role as the region's leading halal hub, supported by halal industrial park infrastructure, world-class certification, and close regional trade cooperation,' he said. Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, informed that Singapore had sent TVET trainers to Malaysia, in line with the shared commitment to strengthen quality and empower the TVET ecosystem. Ahmad Zahid said Saturday's discussions were highly beneficial, full of new ideas and opportunities that could potentially enhance bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meetings would open a new chapter of closer strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, for the continuity and shared prosperity of the two neighbouring nations. "Hopefully, everything discussed today will be translated into actions that will bring great benefits to the people of both countries in the future,' he said. Ahmad Zahid concluded his engagements with Singapore's top leadership with a luncheon with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. - Bernama
