[UPDATED] Asean's convening power ends Thailand-Cambodia border tensions, says Anwar

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The successful mediation of tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, which resulted in an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, highlights both Asean's strong convening power and the constructive role of its partners in upholding regional stability.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as Asean Chair, Malaysia was entrusted with the responsibility of hosting the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand at a time when rising border tensions had become a serious concern for member states.
"I believed that, despite the dangerous and escalating situation, it was both vital and possible to bring the two sides to the negotiating table.
"In the lead-up to the meeting, I spoke to both leaders, took care to listen to their perspectives, and urged them to find common ground in the interest of ensuring no more lives were lost.
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"With the participation of the United States and President Donald Trump himself engaging directly with both prime ministers (Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham), that of course further encouraged and helped facilitate the arrangement, as well as China, both sides agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
"This reflects not only the strength of Asean's convening power, but also the constructive engagement of our partners in safeguarding regional stability," he said in his policy speech on Asean, during his visit to the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia today.
Anwar said such engagement was unique.
"I was trusted with the job (as mediator), but I believe I represent the Asean spirit because it was through Asean's cohesiveness that I was able to speak firmly and urge our colleagues to secure lasting peace. I spoke on behalf of the ten member states and our partners."
Anwar said that, in addition to Hun Manet and Phumtham, he had the United States representative on his right and the Chinese representatives on his left.
"It was remarkable that not many regions can do as such, but we did the Asean way, to ensure peaceful resolution to the conflict."
He added; "The presence and cooperation of all parties reaffirm that peace is best achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to stability. This episode has served as a vital reaffirmation of the values that have served our region well."
Anwar added that by continuing to uphold the Asean Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the bloc can strengthen the peace dividend.
"This ensures Asean remains a community of trust, cooperation and shared prosperity for generations to come.
"It also reminds us that the qualities which have kept our region at peace; patience, trust and steady diplomacy, are the same qualities that give meaning to our centrality and unity today."
Anwar said he had consistently underscored that Asean's centrality, unity and autonomy should remain the compass in the bloc's collective journey ahead.
"However, we must be cognisant that these ethos are not a right, but a privilege we must work hard to sustain in the face of shifting regional and global dynamics. In a fragmented world, our centrality and unity matter more than ever."
Anwar said the existing international order is not just under strain – it is facing unprecedented levels of fragmentation.
"Characterised by major power rivalries, geo-economic competition and fraying multilateralism, the world now is increasingly more complex, chaotic and contradictory.
"As such, Asean must confront this sobering reality with clarity of purpose and vision. As we navigate an uncertain strategic landscape, we must continue to be a voice of reason, and a resilient community committed to peace and shared prosperity.
"Asean's commitment to regionalism and multilateralism remains the anchor of the region's collective stability and progress. It is imperative that Asean continues to stand for rules, even when others choose retreat."