Trump praises Malaysia's ‘Fantastic' role in Thai-Cambodia peace deal
Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 Text Size: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim - Bernama pix KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said US President Donald Trump praised Malaysia's role in mediating peace between Thailand and Cambodia, calling it a 'fantastic job' during a phone call on Thursday. The compliment followed Malaysia's success in getting both nations' leaders to agree on a ceasefire after weeks of tension, achieved through coordinated efforts by the Foreign Ministry, armed forces and national leadership. Anwar said the ceasefire has boosted Malaysia's reputation internationally, with recognition from Washington to London for uniting Asean in securing peace. He remains in contact with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who confirmed there has been no fighting and requested Malaysia's help to facilitate further talks. The Cambodian and Thai defence ministers will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Monday to discuss the next steps toward lasting peace. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai shake hands as they pose for photos following a press conference, on the day of mediation talks on the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, in Putrajaya July 28, 2025. — Reuters pic Both great powers — China and the United States — have vested interests in a stable Asean . For China, the Thai-Cambodian border serves as a critical corridor into mainland Southeast Asia and Indochina. For the U.S., stability in this region reduces the risk of further militarization and offsets the spread of spoilers aligned with anti-democratic impulses. By playing the honest broker and avoiding overt alignment with either camp, Malaysia under Anwar has demonstrated that Asean need not be a pawn in great power politics — it can be a partner. Malaysia's role here is fundamentally Asean in spirit but global in consequence. 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