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Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Safeguarding ASEAN peace amid superpower rivalry
THE recent ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, brokered by Malaysia in its role as ASEAN Chair, is a critical step in regional peace-building. The deal, which took effect at midnight on July 28, 2025, was announced following high-level talks in Putrajaya, where Malaysia brought both parties together for urgent dialogue. This development comes as a much-needed de-escalation after renewed clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, which have long been a flashpoint for nationalist tension and military posturing. Malaysia's leadership in the process has once again demonstrated its unique role in Southeast Asia as a credible mediator, committed to regional stability and peaceful dialogue. This role is not new as Malaysia has previously played a significant part in resolving long-standing internal conflicts in both southern Thailand and Mindanao in the Philippines. In southern Thailand, where ethnic Malay-Muslim insurgents have waged a low-intensity rebellion in the Patani region since the early 2000s, Malaysia has facilitated peace talks between insurgent groups such as the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) and the Thai government. While these talks have not yet produced a final resolution, they have created channels of communication and periods of reduced violence. Malaysia's involvement is seen as both culturally and geographically appropriate, given its shared ethnic and religious ties with the southern Thai provinces. The Malaysian government has used this proximity to build trust with insurgent leaders while maintaining diplomatic relations with the Thai state. This balancing act has helped prevent further regionalisation of the conflict and reflects a model of conflict management that is pragmatic and sensitive to local dynamics. Similarly, in Mindanao, Malaysia played a pivotal role in the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Acting as a neutral facilitator, Malaysia hosted peace talks that led to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014, ending decades of armed struggle. Malaysia also led the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that ensured compliance with the ceasefire and supported confidence-building between the parties. This initiative remains one of the most successful examples of ASEAN-led mediation, offering a model of how persistent diplomacy, regional ownership, and non-coercive facilitation can bring sustainable results. Malaysia's role in these peace processes gives it not only experience but also moral authority in mediating the current Thailand-Cambodia standoff. The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, while bilateral in nature, has broader regional implications. It comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific is under increasing strain due to the strategic rivalry between the United States (US) and China. Their trade war and military posturing, especially in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, have heightened geopolitical tension across Southeast Asia. ASEAN, situated at the crossroads of these global currents, faces the real risk of its internal conflicts becoming arenas for proxy competition. Localised disputes like the one between Thailand and Cambodia can quickly draw in external powers, either through military cooperation, economic leverage, or political influence. This is why the question of whether the US and China should be included, at least as observers in ceasefire verification or implementation mechanisms is both relevant and delicate. On the one hand, ASEAN has always prioritised regional solutions to regional problems, emphasising non-interference and consensus. However, as seen during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War, Southeast Asian conflicts can easily be co-opted by larger global struggles. Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam all experienced devastating consequences when superpowers used their territory for ideological and strategic contests. The lesson for today's ASEAN is clear: excluding great powers entirely may not insulate the region; instead, it may create a vacuum that invites unilateral action or covert influence. Therefore, ASEAN should consider limited, clearly defined roles for external powers in regional peace processes. Their inclusion such as in observer or technical advisory capacities, can serve as a transparency mechanism that reassures all parties and limits behind-the-scenes manoeuvring. However, the process must remain under ASEAN's leadership to preserve regional autonomy. Malaysia, as Chair, must lead in crafting a ceasefire verification and monitoring system that includes input from ASEAN dialogue partners without ceding control. This balance is critical to ensuring that peace efforts are not hijacked by competing agendas. Malaysia's diplomatic credibility, built over years of involvement in Mindanao and southern Thailand, gives it a strategic advantage in guiding ASEAN through this challenge. Its current stewardship of the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire provides a chance to set a precedent: regional conflict resolution must not only address immediate violence but also anticipate the strategic consequences of great power rivalry. The ceasefire monitoring mission, coordinated by Malaysia, should serve not only to ensure compliance but also to reaffirm ASEAN's role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific. Ultimately, the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire should be seen as more than a bilateral agreement as it is a test of ASEAN's ability to safeguard its region from becoming a pawn in a global contest. By learning from its own successes in Mindanao and southern Thailand, and by navigating the pressures of US-China competition with strategic foresight, ASEAN can protect its vision of a peaceful, independent Southeast Asia. Malaysia, with its proven mediation track record, must ensure that this vision does not falter under the weight of global tensions. ‒ July 30, 2025 R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Reuters
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Turun Anwar: PM's position strengthened or a turning point in Malaysian politics?
THE 'Turun Anwar' rally, billed as a major show of dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, drew mixed reactions, falling short of expectations for some, while others hailed it as a symbolic victory for PAS. With turnout estimated at under 30,000 and largely dominated by Malay-Muslim participants, the event exposed deeper undercurrents in Malaysian politics. Professor James Chin observed the lack of multiracial participation and NGO support, pointing to the rally's limited appeal beyond Perikatan Nasional and PAS's core base. 'There was minimal NGO support and virtually no traction with the non-Malay communities,' said Chin, adding that this reflected a failure to build a broad-based coalition for change. He also cited the involvement of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a liability. 'Mahathir's credibility is no longer what it once was. Many see his stance as driven more by personal animosity toward Anwar than genuine reform,' Chin said, concluding that the rally may have inadvertently strengthened Anwar's position. However, Australian academic and long-time observer of Malaysian politics Dr Murray Hunter interpreted the rally as a powerful statement by PAS. 'This wasn't just about Anwar stepping down. It was about who will rule Malaysia in the future.' Hunter noted the absence of the Reformasi-era crowd and warned that parties like PKR and Amanah may struggle to stay relevant in the future. 'Malaysia is now at a crossroads, between a reformist democracy, elite-controlled governance, or an Islamic state.' He added that the turnout suggests a growing ideological shift. 'What we're witnessing is the beginning of a political revolution, led by a generation that believes Islamic governance offers real solutions. The old Malaysia is being challenged — openly and decisively.' —July 27, 2025 Main image: Kosmo
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Umno man says low turnout at ‘Turun Anwar' rally won't look good for PAS
Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi said PAS will be concerned about whether it can mobilise a large crowd of its supporters to attend tomorrow's rally. PETALING JAYA : Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi says PAS's pride will be bruised if tomorrow's anti-government rally fails to attract at least 500,000 participants. PAS is spearheading the rally in Kuala Lumpur calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to step down, with key opposition figures such as former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin set to deliver speeches. PAS MP Shahidan Kassim has predicted a turnout of between 300,000 and 500,000 people at the 'Turun Anwar' rally, while PN deputy chairman Hamzah Zainudin has claimed that the event could attract one million participants. Puad said that while the rally's goal is to pressure Anwar to resign, PAS would be more concerned about whether it can mobilise a large crowd of its supporters to attend. 'PAS is nervous – not about whether Anwar will step down or not – but whether 500,000 people will attend,' he said in a Facebook post. 'Around 90% of the turnout will depend on PAS members, and PAS's pride will be hurt if the turnout is less than 500,000 people.' On July 12, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party was mobilising its members at every parliamentary and state level ahead of the rally. The rally's participants will gather at five locations – Masjid Negara, Pasar Seni, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru and Sogo shopping mall – before marching to Dataran Merdeka. Police have said no roads will be closed in the capital city due to the rally, which is expected to be attended by between 10,000 and 15,000 participants, but diversions may be made. Puad, who is also the Johor assembly speaker, claimed that tomorrow's rally would be more effective if Umno took part in it. He noted how PAS and Umno helped force the Pakatan Harapan government to reverse its decision to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) after a key protest. The anti-ICERD rally in December 2018, which was organised by a coalition of Umno, PAS and Malay-Muslim NGOs, saw more than 30,000 participants gather at Dataran Merdeka. They claimed that ICERD was a threat to Malay rights and Islam.
Focus Malaysia
23-07-2025
- General
- Focus Malaysia
Why Siti Kasim's 'think a thousand times before converting for the sake of marrying' is gospel truth
LOVE conquers all or so it would seem. Take away the first flushes of romance, married life is full of unexpected pitfalls and challenges. So warned human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim on her Facebook page recently on the many instances marital breakdown has led to a spouse wishing to leave a religion which he or she converted into for the sake of nuptials. As it is not so easy to declare apostasy as in the case of Muslim convert spouses – in fact, it is very much a one-way traffic – it is best that one thinks long and hard when choosing a Muslim life partner, she counselled. Sharing a video of a Muslim wife lamenting about her convert husband's refusal to adhere to certain Islamic practices, the legal eagle – while chiding the woman for washing dirty laundry on social media – contended that such is a chilling reminder of how fast reality of life would creep in once marital bliss has faded. In the video which was first posted on Berani Viral's Facebook page, the lady identified only as Ema complained about her husband's fondness for his pet dog. The canine which Ema admits is cute has clearly become a major bone of contention as its very presence within the home has greatly upset her. Additionally, she is also infuriated by her husband partaking in some Taoist praying ritual alongside his grandmother who is living with them in addition to his fondness for Chinese food with dubious halal status. However, Ema was berated by one commenter for being narrow-minded with her religious interpretations having contained too many restrictions which were not universal Islamic values. He went on to chide the lady for not being able to differentiate between religious and cultural practices. One lady commenter who claimed to have divorced from her Muslim convert spouse revealed that she never felt the urge to share him on social media. Foolish seems to be the verdict here. The same sentiment was echoed by more than a few who thought such story telling of family matters in public to be in poor taste. One commenter seemed to hit the nail on the head by asking why marry a convert if the lady was unwilling to compromise or buy into a different cultural background. Such small-minded individuals are ill-suited to mixed marriages it was observed, hence Ema should have sought a Malay-Muslim spouse from the off to avoid all the challenges she is now facing. It was also pointed out that in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, does not require non-Muslims to convert to Islam before legally marrying a Muslim. There was little sympathy for Ema as many saw her rant as attention-seeking as well as displaying her narrow-mindedness for all to see. One commenter even urged the husband to simply kick out this complaining spouse instead of his beloved dog. That may be a tad drastic. The one thing that the video does highlight – regardless of one's cultural or religious beliefs – is that mixed marriages can be fraught with difficulties. Love can indeed conquer, but only if you let it … with a huge slice of compromise. – July 2025
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kelantan govt wants full probe into gay party incident
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has called for a thorough inquiry into last month's alleged gay gathering at a bungalow in Kampung Kemumin, urging that no party be subjected to misunderstanding, slander, or premature public judgement. Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state is aware of the ongoing polemic between the Kelantan police and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as individuals who have denied that any immoral activities took place during the event. "To resolve this issue, the state government urges that investigations be carried out carefully and comprehensively so that no party becomes a victim of misunderstanding, false accusations or societal punishment before the truth is established. "If investigations prove that police actions were based on solid grounds, stern action must be taken against those involved. "Conversely, if the claims by the NGOs and individuals are proven to be true, corrective measures should be implemented. Justice must prevail," he said here today. The police raid occurred in mid-June but was only reported only on Thursday. Homosexual acts are criminalised in Malaysia and carry prison sentences under the country's civil laws. For members of the Malay-Muslim majority who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), the risks are even higher. They may also be prosecuted under the separate Islamic legal system enforced in several states—where punishments can include public caning or mandatory programmes aimed at "rehabilitation." Fadzli also said that if the participants involved were not from Kelantan, this fact should be made clear to the public to avoid unwarranted blame being placed on the state's residents. "Transparency is essential to prevent the public from making baseless assumptions or unfair judgements. "If it is true, as reported, that the participants were from outside Kelantan, then this must be clarified openly so that innocent Kelantanese citizens are not unjustly criticised," he said. Fadzli stressed that any party intending to organise events, especially those that could raise controversy or confusion, must obtain permission from the relevant authorities. "Failure to follow proper guidelines and procedures could lead to unintended consequences and threaten the harmony of the state," he said. He acknowledged receiving multiple inquiries following the police raid, which sparked a public outcry after it was initially described as a "gay sex party". "NGOs, including Suaram, the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), and Amnesty International Malaysia, issued a joint statement denying the allegations. "They insisted that the participants were there to access health information and undergo sexual health screenings, not to engage in illicit activities. "The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) also confirmed that a field engagement session took place on June 17 under the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) model, supported by the Ministry of Health," he added. Fadzli said the state government reaffirms its firm and uncompromising stance against any activity that contradicts Islamic teachings and moral values. "Any attempt to normalise immoral behaviour will not be tolerated in this state," he added. He also expressed appreciation for the swift and firm actions taken by the Kelantan police in line with the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil), which remains a core tenet of the state's governance.
