Malaysia urges Thailand, Cambodia to resolve border row via committee
He said, if agreed upon in negotiation, leaders of the two countries should then welcome the proposals put forward by the committee.
'This is because they both (Thailand and Cambodia) want the other side to apologise first, so I suggest that they use the General Border Committee mechanism...because each has its strength and they just don't want to give in,' he told reporters after officiating the Besut UMNO Division meeting here today.
Mohamad said he had and would always be in touch with his counterparts, namely Maris Sangiampongsa of Thailand and Prak Sokhonn of Cambodia, to ask for the dispute to stop.
'I have asked them to stand down so that a ceasefire can be held as soon as possible, because the two countries are friends, neighbours and have long-standing family ties. We need to find a solution together through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
'So Insya-Allah I will try to contact them again and also some friends there (in Thailand and Cambodia) who have influence,' he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said Wisma Putra had already issued a ban on Malaysians in both countries from going to or approaching the troubled areas.
He said the Malaysian embassies in Bangkok, Thailand and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, were also always open for Malaysians to report any problems, including those related to the conflict.
Media previously reported that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed last Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides pointing fingers at each other over who was considered to be the initiator of the latest confrontation.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have escalated since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area that killed a Cambodian soldier.
The two countries have been in conflict over the 817-kilometre border issue that has not been resolved for several decades, which continues to affect their diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday to express Malaysia's concerns over the escalating tensions. — Bernama
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New Straits Times
9 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
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Malay Mail
6 hours ago
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Fragile ceasefire on the brink: Cambodia and Thailand face renewed crossfire — Phar Kim Beng
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The Star
8 hours ago
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‘M'sia trusted to lead peace talks'
Fruitful discussions: Anwar taking a closer look at locally produced fruits from Sabah during the closing ceremony of the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day 2025 in Kota Kinabalu as Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (back row, second from left) looks on. — Photo taken from Anwar Ibrahim's Facebook page KOTA KINABALU: Thailand and Cambodia have entrusted Malaysia to lead peace talks between them due to our friendly diplomacy, stable politics and developing economy, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Malaysia, as a friendly nation, is proud to play a role in resolving the conflict between the two neighbouring countries, helping to ensure regional peace and stability. 'When Cambodia and Thailand were in conflict, Malaysia successfully negotiated peace terms. 'Both sides placed their trust in us and agreed to hold talks in Kuala Lumpur,' he said. Anwar added that Cambodian Defence Minister Gen Tea Seiha and Thai acting Defence Minister Gen Natthaphon Narkphanit are expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur today to engage in detailed discussions aimed at further easing tensions. Anwar said Malaysia's role in the peace negotiations has elevated its standing on the global stage, attracting the attention of world leaders, including those from Germany, France and other Asian nations. 'US President Donald J. Trump personally called at 6.50am to congratulate us on our success in brokering peace between the two countries. 'Indonesia also reached out with similar praise,' he said during the closing ceremony of the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day here yesterday. On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar, in Malaysia's capacity as current Asean Chair. The meeting also saw both parties agreeing to hold a General Border Committee meeting as part of the ceasefire implementation. On another matter, Anwar said Malaysia is not surrendering anything by choosing to engage in amicable discussions with Indonesia to resolve the Sulawesi Sea maritime dispute. He stressed that such an approach reflects Malaysia's desire to maintain friendly ties with Indonesia. 'Indonesia is a friendly nation, and President Prabowo Subianto is a personal family friend,' Anwar said, adding that discussions must be held in accordance with the law. He emphasised the importance of involving Sabah and Sarawak in any deliberations, stating that any decision must first obtain the approval of the respective state governments and legislative assemblies. 'This is our country. We fight and spend hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, just to protect Sabah's rights,' he said, referring to the defunct Sulu sultanate's claims over the state. On the potential undersea project collaboration between PETRONAS and Indonesian oil and gas corporation Pertamina, Anwar clarified that it has yet to be finalised. He noted that both countries must continue discussions on working terms, especially in areas involving land and sea resource development that require clear coordination. As an example, he pointed out that while oil extracted from land belongs to Sabah, underwater resources may fall within Indonesian maritime boundaries, among other states and nations. 'This is what we are working on together, and it all depends on ongoing negotiations,' he said. Anwar and Prabowo recently issued a joint statement pledging to explore a proposed joint development in the Sulawesi Sea, including the Ambalat block, in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner. The Ambalat block, located off the coast of Sabah and spanning some 15,000 sq km, is believed to contain substantial crude oil reserves. Separately, Anwar said national carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is able to purchase new aircraft due to healthy financial performance and sound management. The Prime Minister said the decision to acquire 30 Boeing aircraft also reflected Malaysia's effective trade diplomacy with the United States. 'For the first time last year, MAS recorded a profit because we did not 'sakau' (steal),' he quipped. He credited the economic recovery to political stability and strategic ties with countries such as the United States. Anwar noted that many agreements have been reached for Malaysia's economic benefit, including the aircraft deal, which he said was finalised about four or five months ago.
