TMR

by SHAUQI WAHAB

ASEAN will maintain a monitoring role, but there is currently no need for broader intervention by the regional bloc, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“We feel there is no need for full-scale ASEAN intervention. They support this initiative and are confident in Malaysia’s coordination, focusing on bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand,” he told reporters after the Budget 2026 engagement meeting today.

He reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue to play a mediating role in the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, following recent meetings with the defence ministers of both countries.

He said both sides had expressed a willingness to comply with key conditions aimed at ensuring the ceasefire is upheld.

“Previously, matters related to the border were coordinated by our defence minister and the armed forces chief for detailed arbitration. Thankfully, as of now, they want Malaysia to continue coordinating,” he added.

Anwar shared that both Thailand and Cambodia have committed to maintaining peace at the border and are open to bilateral discussions to resolve remaining concerns.

While acknowledging the presence of one or two minor issues, he expressed optimism that these could be resolved through continued dialogue.

Anwar also clarified that neither China nor the US is involved in monitoring the situation, although both countries have offered logistical support if necessary.

On the matter of the protracted nature of the dispute, Anwar reminded the public that historical border issues are inherently complex.

“At least there is a ceasefire now, which is important. But border matters have lasted hundreds of years. In our view, even if there are slight differences in opinion, they should not lead to tension,” he said.

Following his own negotiations, Malaysia’s Armed Forces Chief General Mohammad Ab Rahman reportedly travelled to the border for high-level talks with military leaders from both Thailand and Cambodia.

Anwar pointed out that this hands-on approach has helped to stabilise the situation and build trust between the two countries.

The ceasefire currently affects a disputed border zone and has led to the displacement of an estimated 300,000 people from both countries.

He said efforts are now focused on safeguarding the welfare of these displaced individuals while reinforcing cooperation through two levels of border dialogue mechanisms: The General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC), both of which are continuing under the defence ministries of Thailand and Cambodia, coordinated by Malaysia.

Malaysia, Anwar said, has been entrusted to continue its mediating role with ASEAN’s Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) observing the process.

He also connected Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts to positive outcomes in trade relations, hinting that its successful mediation may have softened the US’ position on semiconductor tariffs.

He mentioned that although a new 19% tariff was imposed, many companies — especially US-based ones with existing operations in America — are not significantly affected.

The post No full ASEAN intervention needed in Thailand-Cambodia conflict appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

PUTRAJAYA — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy call from Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Tea Seiha, and Thailand’s Acting Minister of Defence, General Nattaphon Narkphanit, at his office in Perdana Putra.

Anwar also convened a closed-door meeting with the two ministers, together with their respective delegations.

Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

The meeting, which lasted 30 minutes, discussed, among other things, the ceasefire and the General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting.

Meanwhile, Anwar in his post on Facebook said it was a meaningful meeting that resulted in a key consensus to sustain dialogue and uphold the ceasefire along the Thailand-Cambodia border, in effect since 28 July.

“I appreciate the trust placed in Malaysia to continue facilitating the peace process, particularly through the leadership of the Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

“Both sides also reached several important agreements, including full adherence to the ceasefire without any form of aggression, no increase or repositioning of troops, avoidance of provocative actions, and a firm commitment to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he posted.

Anwar said they also discussed the proposed deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to support monitoring efforts, humanitarian assistance and medical coordination at the border.

“Malaysia will continue to support this process in the belief that lasting peace is only possible through dialogue, mutual respect and genuine friendship,” he added.

Later today, the Thai and Cambodian delegations are scheduled to hold the Extraordinary GBC Meeting at Wisma Perwira Angkatan Tentera Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. — BERNAMA

The post PM Anwar receives courtesy call from defence ministers of Cambodia, Thailand appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.

PUTRAJAYA — Malaysia will continue to play the role of facilitator in helping to resolve the border issue between Thailand and Cambodia, as agreed by both countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Alhamdulillah, at least for now, they want Malaysia to continue coordinating. They’ve given their commitment to comply with the conditions to ensure the ceasefire is fully observed.

“… and for that, we will continue to play our role. There are one or two minor issues today, which we hope can be resolved,” he said during the Budget 2026 Engagement Session here today.

Anwar said he had met with Cambodia’s Defence Minister General Tea Seiha and Thailand’s Acting Defence Minister General Natthaphon Narkphanit earlier today before attending the engagement session.

“I had discussions with both defence ministers just now. The ASEAN Defence Attaché Observer Team will help to monitor the situation, and we believe there is no longer any need for full ASEAN intervention,” he added. — BERNAMA

The post PM Anwar: Malaysia to continue facilitation role in resolving Thailand-Cambodia conflict appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.