Malaysia keen to help set up Asean Monitoring Team
He said a General Border Committee, comprising officials from both nations, began discussions yesterday in Kuala Lumpur to work towards de-escalating tensions along the border.
'The technical committee will draw up the Terms of Reference (TOR), so that a permanent ceasefire along their border can be realised,' Mohamad said, adding that the TOR would outline the framework for creating a monitoring team to maintain peace and stability in the region.
'The arrival of ministers from both countries in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 7 will mark a significant milestone. We anticipate the TOR's finalisation by then.
'We want to restore normalcy along the border so that the people on both sides can return to peaceful daily lives,' he said, adding that the accord would also pave the way for the reopening of the border.
The effort follows a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on July 28, during which Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
At that meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also agreed to convene a General Border Committee meeting as part of the agreement, following deadly clashes between the two nations.
Mohamad expressed optimism that a lasting agreement could be reached, noting that both parties were largely supportive of the draft proposals submitted by Malaysia.
'There haven't been many objections. Both sides have, however, made some additions to better suit their needs,' he said.
He also revealed that the Malaysian Armed Forces chief has engaged in discussions with his counterparts from both countries to help move the process forward.
'This will further support the formation of an Asean Monitoring Team,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
17 minutes ago
- The Star
Malaysia to continue coordinating Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire efforts, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will continue to play its coordinating role in the ceasefire efforts between Thailand and Cambodia, without a need for a full-scale Asean intervention, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said he had met with both Defence Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia to discuss the details of the protocols that must be observed at the contested borders. "Thankfully, as of now, both countries have expressed their desire for Malaysia to continue playing a coordinating role. 'They have committed to upholding the conditions necessary to ensure the ceasefire is fully respected. "In light of this, Malaysia will continue its role in facilitating the process," said Anwar after attending the 2026 Budget Consultation Council at the Finance Ministry here on Thursday (Aug 7). "At this point, we do not see the need for full Asean intervention. "Both sides support this initiative and it is sufficient for Malaysia to facilitate the cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia," he said The United States and China will not be involved to monitor the contested border area, he added. "They, however, have offered full cooperation in terms of logistical assistance or support should the need arise," said Anwar. Asked to reveal the challenges faced to reach a consensus, Anwar said at the moment both sides have agreed to a ceasefire. "This is an important milestone. "It's important to recognise that border issues between the two countries have persisted for hundreds of years. "Although there are some differences in opinion, it should not lead to conflict," he said. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to implement a ceasefire effective midnight on July 28 through a special meeting in Malaysia chaired by Anwar, that brought both South-East Asian neighbours to the negotiating table following heightened tensions. Tensions between the two countries peaked on May 28 when fighting broke out in the disputed Preah Vihear area, resulting in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The Star
17 minutes ago
- The Star
‘All we want is peace': Cambodian evacuees long for return to their pre-conflict lives
PHNOM PENH: As the shadow of armed conflict once again casts its darkness across Cambodia's northwestern border, the number of displaced civilians continues to rise — yet their message remains clear: they do not seek revenge. They want nothing more than peace, and to return to their homes. Not one of the 124,940 civilians displaced by border tensions across five Cambodian provinces wants to remain in the crowded, makeshift camps. From elderly farmers to young schoolchildren, all share the same heartfelt wish: to return home as soon as possible. Forced to flee their villages amid rising tensions along the Cambodian-Thai border, families now endure overcrowded shelters, uncertain futures and the emotional toll of separation from loved ones and livelihoods. Their voices remain united in one clear message — these camps are not home, and peace is the only path that can lead them back. 'I'm afraid the Thai troops will launch another attack,' said Yen Bopha, 35, from O'Smach commune, in Oddar Meanchey province's Samraong town. 'My family left home to find safety.' Bopha said none of them ever wanted to be so far from their homes. They want peace and to return as soon as possible. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN Sweeping water from her tent shelter after a heavy downpour, Bopha said none of them ever wanted to be so far from their homes. They want peace and to return as soon as possible. On Aug 5, driven by rumours of a renewed assault by Thai forces, more than 1,500 families — over 8,000 people — fled their homes. The majority arrived at emergency centres in Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province. Wat Chroy Neang Nuong, one of the largest camps in the area, received over 1,000 families alone, from the O'Smach area of Oddar Meanchey province. Local authorities pray for peace Mon Ngy Rainsy, deputy governor of Siem Reap, welcomed a delegation of diplomats from 11 nations and representatives of 15 UN agencies and partner organisations to the site. She expressed the pain of displacement, while remarking at the resilience of the Cambodian people. 'Wat Chroy Neang Nuong is already full but we cannot say 'no' to our people,' she said. 'They came with nothing. We gave them tents, food and even temporary schools and health services for their children,' she added. Rainsy told the international guests that life in the camps is difficult, and support — no matter how generous — cannot replace the comfort and dignity of home. 'They left their homes, their belongings, and in some cases even their children or husbands to watch over the houses. The cows and buffalo are still there. This is not life — it's survival,' Her appeal was heartfelt and urgent. 'We want to strongly urge all ambassadors and international organisations to help end the fighting. Our people want to go home. They want to work. The children want to go to school,' she implored. As she ended her remarks, Rainsy raised her voice above the crowd: 'We love peace!' Her call was met with cheers and applause from evacuees and volunteers alike. International support An EU representative met with refugees at the Wat Chroy Neang Nuong camp to learn about their living conditions. Speaking in Khmer, Bryan Fornari, head of cooperation at the European Delegation, asked, 'Does the rain affect your living? Are there many mosquitoes?' Several UN agencies in Cambodia joined a field visit organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to meet with displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN He expressed concern about their daily struggles, inquired about their hopes of returning home and wished them a safe and speedy return. Several UN agencies in Cambodia — including FAO, ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UN Women, UN-Habitat, UNDP, UNDSS, Unesco, UNFPA, Unicef, Unido, WFP and WHO — joined a field visit organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to meet with displaced communities in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces. 'We listened to the concerns of displaced families and assessed the situation on the ground. In coordination with national authorities, the UN — together with international and local humanitarian partners — has begun mobilising a humanitarian response to address the immediate needs of displaced communities,' announced the UN in Cambodia. 'Above all, we hope for a lasting peace that will enable communities to return home safely and rebuild their lives without fear,' it added. A lingering threat At the same camp, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) is leading emergency awareness campaigns to protect displaced families from another deadly threat: landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). 'Even though they haven't returned home yet, we must prepare them,' said Eng Pheap, CMAA director of public relations. 'We are showing them what mines look like and teaching them not to touch anything suspicious. They should report any suspicious discoveries to village chiefs, commune heads or the police,' he added. The CMAA's efforts are supported by the UN through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). So Lina, a programme analyst with the UNDP, stressed the importance of the awareness campaign. 'This is an opportunity,' she said. 'When they go home, they will be aware of the risks and know how to stay safe,' she continued. Despite fear and uncertainty, the spirit of peace still runs deep. For thousands of Cambodians displaced once more by border tensions, their plea is simple: let us go home in peace. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
17 minutes ago
- The Star
Malaysia's semiconductor exports still exempted from reciprocal tariffs
FILE PHOTO: Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this illustration picture taken February 25, 2022. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reiterated that Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the United States (US) are currently still exempted from reciprocal tariffs. However, the ministry said that this is subject to the US's current policy reviews and changes at any time. MITI minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the US is currently conducting an investigation under Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine whether imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and related derivative products pose a threat to its national security. "The investigation was supposed to be completed by the end of December, but (has been) expedited, and the results from this investigation will be used for further action, including the possible measure of high tariffs as announced by US President Donald Trump this morning,' he said during the Minister's Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was replying to a supplementary question from Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) about the impact of the latest reports that the US would impose a tariff of around 100 per cent on imported semiconductors from countries that do not produce them in the US or do not plan to do so. Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is currently taking several mitigation measures, including contacting directly with the US Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce to obtain official clarification and to advocate for the interests of Malaysian exporters. He said that if tariffs are imposed, Malaysia will risk losing a key market in the US, as locally produced products might become less competitive. However, he said, as of now, the US government has not finalised the detailed mechanism for implementing the tariffs. "Based on current information, the exemption is not country-based but on companies that invest directly in the US, regardless of the company's location in another country. "Therefore, the impact is highly dependent on the investments and operations of international companies located in Malaysia,' he added. Tengku Zafrul also stated that 65 per cent of Malaysia's semiconductor exports to the US are from American companies operating in Malaysia. - Bernama
