M'sia monitoring tensions at Thai-Cambodia border
He said gunfire has continued despite both countries' assurance to de-escalate tensions.
'Both the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have made statements and contacted me personally to express appreciation,' he said during a media conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.
'I have instructed Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to reach out, and I will personally intervene if necessary. At the very least, stop the shooting first and continue talks.'
He also expressed gratitude to the Federation of Thai Industries, which voiced concern over the impact of the border conflict on regional trade.
The conflict centres on overlapping claims near the Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom temple areas.
While the International Court of Justice ruled in Cambodia's favour in 2013, recent violence reportedly began after a Cambodian soldier was killed by a landmine in May, triggering artillery exchanges and evacuations.
In a post on his Facebook page, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said he agreed to the ceasefire because Cambodia did not initiate the fighting.
'The key to resolving the current armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is the genuine willingness of the Thai side to accept a ceasefire, which is the first step towards finding further solutions between the two countries.'
Manet said there is unclear reporting by various international media regarding the proposed ceasefire talks initiated by Anwar, the current Asean chair.
He said he only agreed to the ceasefire after hearing from Anwar that Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed to peace talks.
'However, it is regrettable that just over an hour later, the Thai side said they had reversed their position from agreeing to the ceasefire,' said Manet.
On another matter, Anwar responded to remarks by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan questioning the handling of a special task force report on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
'He should follow the process, he hasn't even read the report,' said Anwar.
The task force, chaired by a former chief justice, had recommended action over alleged betrayal of the nation.
'Despite the seriousness of the offence, given Tun's condition, we proposed not to pursue it further,' Anwar added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
A lesson for housing developers
KUALA LUMPUR: The developer and contractor of a housing project were caught by surprise when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called them out during a groundbreaking ceremony and asked if a school was part of the plan. The developer of Residensi Aman Madani in Bandar Tasik Permaisuri, Danau Lumayan Sdn Bhd, and its turnkey contractor Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd were taken aback by the turn of events. The Prime Minister had stopped short midway into his speech and asked them if the housing project had preschools and a school in its vicinity. Anwar said parents should not have to travel far to send their children to school. 'We should not build houses without schools nearby. Projects should be monitored directly to ensure this concept is adhered to. If we want to be responsible leaders, we must act on the people's complaints,' he said. 'We must uphold integrity. Do not approve projects slowly just because we claim to be 'clean'. Being clean also means being efficient. Corruption and commissions must be eradicated,' the Prime Minister added. He said if there are no existing schools nearby, then there must be dedicated vertical schools (for the community). 'Next Monday, the developers, contractors, the Federal Territories Minister and project planners must brief me on where the schools and preschools are located. 'We need both primary and secondary schools. If there are no schools nearby, at least one block in the area must be allocated for educational purposes. 'A second block should be reserved until all conditions are met. 'If we want vertical schools, we must ensure proper facilities and planning,' said Anwar. The Prime Minister also noted that many urban parents earn between RM2,000 and RM3,000 a month. 'I've instructed that kindergartens be located within buildings. 'If not, this needs to be corrected by the city planners. 'The goal is to allow parents to work peacefully, knowing their children are safe nearby,' he said. Anwar also said he appreciated the city's efforts to build more stalls for small traders, as about 85% of residents buy from these small stalls. 'We shouldn't neglect them while building tall luxury towers. 'Let's not only beautify the city but also support everyday livelihoods,' he added. Residensi Aman Madani will provide 3,500 housing units, with each unit measuring 900sq ft in size and priced at RM300,000. The affordable housing project, with a gross development value of approximately RM1.01bil, will be known as Residensi Wilayah Aman Lumayan. The project, which comprises three phases, will be fully completed within five years. Also present at the event were Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the Prime Minister's wife. Dr Zaliha said unchecked urbanisation could lead to the 'hollowing out' of city centres where low-income residents are systematically pushed out due to market pressure, eroding the city's social character. 'Kuala Lumpur, with nearly two million people in an area of only 240sq km, has a density of over 8,100 people per square kilometre. 'Behind this rising number lies a growing spatial gap between the city centre and its residents. 'This spatial inequality forces key city workers – public servants, technicians, nurses, small traders and others – to live far from their workplaces, commuting two to three hours daily. 'This affects the cost of living, productivity and their family well-being,' she said. Dr Zaliha also said that with urban housing units being increasingly unaffordable to the middle and lower-income groups, there will be a lack of fair wealth distribution. 'Kuala Lumpur should no longer be a city exclusive to the affluent. 'In our push for affordable housing, I've stressed to the Federal Territories Department and Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) that all projects must meet quality standards, ensure access to utilities, healthcare and education, and include well-designed public spaces,' she added.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Asean news headlines as at 10pm on Tuesday (July 8)
Malaysia * Rubio to attend Asean meeting in first Asia trip * M'sia to continue striving for mutually beneficial trade deal with US, says Miti * Asean urged to stay united in keeping region free of nuclear weapons * Asean's Zopfan revived thanks to China and Russia's support, says expert * Rosmah awarded RM100,000 in TikTok defamation lawsuit * Timor-Leste's accession to SEANWFZ treaty will expand nuclear-free region, says Tok Mat * Malaysia hit with 25% tariffs, up from 24% * New director-general Mohd Shuhaily aims to transform border control agency * The 47th Asean Summit in KL poised to be largest ever * Malaysia scores RM1.16bil in potential sales at Paris Airshow * Ex-oil company exec charged with over RM400,000 in bribes * Salesman charged with cheating in RM5.1mil glove deal * AICHR aims for historic adoption of two human rights declarations under Malaysia's leadership * Four foreign nationals, one Malaysian charged with drug trafficking * Nhaveen murder trial put off pending apex court decision on appeal * INTERACTIVE: What you need to know about Malaysia's exports to the US, in 4 charts * US clouds Malaysia rate path with surprise threat of 25% tariff * AKPS implements stricter recruitment policies to combat smuggling * Asean prioritises human rights in its regional integration efforts * Visits to Italy, France and Brazil achieved key objectives, says PM Anwar * Three major events set to turn KL into urban development nexus in August * JPJ recalls 8,322 Kia, Yamaha, Mercedes-Benz vehicles * Manhunt for a monk: Suspected molester sought by Sepang cops * Putra Heights inferno: Sime Darby selected to rebuild destroyed houses, says Amirudin * China-based chain Nong Geng Ji expands its footprint in the Klang Valley Singapore * Malaysian tycoon Ong Beng Seng's new pre-trial conference date in Singapore set for July 23 * Two Malaysians found hiding in car boot in bid to leave Singapore illegally * Singapore FM to attend 58th AMM and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur * Man jailed for buying at least 20 iPhones worth S$40,000 using credit card details of scam victims * SIA flight from Brisbane to Singapore diverted to Perth due to technical issue: Report Thailand * Thailand drops casino legalisation plans after PM suspended * Pop Mart plane makes debut flight to celebrate China-Thailand anniversary * Autistic boy allegedly sets fire to Thai shopping mall * Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised * Cultural row erupts as Thai dress seeks Unesco status amid Cambodian claim * Thai exports brace for impact as US slaps 36% tariff Indonesia * Ferry accident in Bali strait sparks calls to improve Indonesia's maritime safety * Prabowo's BRICS debut puts Indonesia's Asean ties and US relations to the test, analysts say * Death toll from passenger ship sinking in Bali Strait rises to ten * Malaysia, Indonesia to open over 10 new border entry points in Kalimantan, says Saifuddin * Indonesia pledges to buy more US wheat in bid for trade deal * Jakarta's Asean Park plan faces pushback over Barito Market relocation * Indonesian charged with countryman's murder in Sibu Philippines * Philippines struggles to green schools amid climate risks * Philippines summons Chinese envoy over sanctions against former senator * Filipino singer Ronnie Liang says over 100 women victimised by fake AI videos of him * Philippines detains 15 police officers over alleged killings of cockfighting fans Vietnam * Vietnam to offer unprecedented incentives for digital tech companies * Hanoi court sentences man to death for murdering entire family * Vietnam State Bank readies measures to counter tariff impact * Vietnam to complete 900km of expressways in 2025 Cambodia * Cambodia ready to fund transport of 20 antiquities from Thailand * US revises trade tariff on Cambodia to 36 per cent * Cambodian garment workers fret Trump's new tariff threat Myanmar * Myanmar's rare twin elephant calf dies after being accidentally trampled by mother * Fishing season resumes in Myanmar's waters, but Labour shortages hinder operations Laos * Laos rolls out Bus Rapid Transit trial to boost public transport * Ethnic festival showcases rich cultural diversity of Laos Brunei * Brunei Sultan calls for reforms in zakat governance during surprise visit * Cleaner jailed for outraging modesty of Brunei teen in department store toilet Aseanplus * China says Australian PM Albanese to visit this week * South Korea trade minister seeks reduction in auto, steel tariffs * From 'fantastic' to 'spoiled': How Japan's trade effort to woo Trump backfired * Tropical storm Danas looms over China after battering Taiwan, killing two * China detains principal over lead poisoning of 200 children * Japanese Emperor Naruhito meets Mongolian president to boost ties * China's Li, Brazil's Lula pledge joint effort to bring AI to farming * Dozens missing after floods on Nepal-China border * Seoul scorches at 37.8 deg C, highest early-July temperature ever recorded * Asian nations push for US tariff concessions before August deadline * Japanese racehorse famed for losing all her races sees surge in popularity after mobile game launch * China probes Wuhan ex-mayor who presided over Covid response * High-flying Indonesian and leading South-East Asian R&B band Juicy Luicy to headline Malaysia's Ruang Inspirasi Festival (RIF) on Aug 17 * Indian villagers beat five to death for 'witchcraft' * China-based chain Nong Geng Ji expands its footprint in the Klang Valley * Pakistan army chief rejects Indian allegation of Chinese help in May conflict * Crowds celebrate Nepal ex-king's birthday in show of support * TVB star Kelly Fu eats 12 durians on first trip to Malaysia while co-star Owen Cheung struggles with a bite * TikTok reportedly prepping new app in the US as potential sale looms * Catch some sleep at these cute Pokemon rooms in Japan * Court to hold hearing on ex-leader Yoon's detention warrant * Lurid tale of China's cross-dressing 'red uncle' goes viral online * In Hiroshima, search for remains keeps war alive for lone volunteer * Hong Kong should have 'real' dialogue on same-sex partnership plan: LGBTQ groups * Pakistan confiscates 18 lions kept as pets in crackdown after attack * Which K-drama made South Korean President Lee Jae-myung cry? * iQIYI's C-dramas score big as eight of its series are in Enlightent's Top 20 cumulative effective plays in the first half of 2025 * Shinee member Taemin apologises for earthquake remarks on live stream * HK actress Samantha Ko discloses struggle with mental health issues and panic attacks * Ex-TVB star Lee Lung Kei, 74, embraces 38YO fiancee upon her release from prison: 'I've been waiting for a long time' * Most markets rise as Trump sends tariff letters, delays deadline
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
No compromise on country's sovereignty
KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said every action the government takes on the South China Sea issue is based on thorough and strategic consideration, and that Malaysia's sovereignty will not be compromised. He said matters related to the South China Sea were complex and sensitive and must be approached with great caution and diligence. "I wish to emphasise that in dealing with disputes over the South China Sea, the government takes all necessary steps to ensure our sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests remain central to every decision made," he said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. "The government also consistently affirms Malaysia's position in all engagements with foreign nations, at every level, from heads of state to government officials." Mohamad was responding to a question from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh), who asked about the measures the government was taking to ensure Malaysia maintained a neutral yet sovereign position in international conflicts. Muhyiddin's question referenced the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 case, the South China Sea dispute and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent visits to Russia and China. Mohamad said in its role as the Asean-China country coordinator until July 2027, Malaysia was working to expedite the negotiation process of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea to ensure a substantive and effective agreement was concluded as soon as possible. "Malaysia will continue to uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests in its maritime zones in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea." On MH17, Mohamad said Malaysia remained committed to pursuing justice for all victims, their families, and the parties involved. He said Anwar raised the outcome of the legal proceedings relating to the MH17 tragedy during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 14. "President Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, describing the incident as a tragedy, and gave assurance that Russia would cooperate with an independent and credible investigation. "The Malaysian government reaffirms its commitment to a transparent judicial process, in accordance with international law, to hold those responsible for this horrific tragedy accountable, and remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for the victims' families," he added.
