Kuala lumpur: The detailed terms for resolving the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute are expected to be finalised within a day or two, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar stated that any agreement reached by the two countries will be witnessed by him and United States President Donald Trump.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar mentioned that the defence ministers of Cambodia and Thailand will finalise the detailed terms. If an agreement is reached within the next day or two, the signing will be witnessed by him and President Donald Trump, who also supports this resolution. This announcement was made during Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, in response to a question from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) about the attendance of heads of state and government, and international organisations at the 47th ASEAN Summit, as well as Malaysia's key achievements during its ASEAN Chairmanship.
Anwar highlighted Malaysia's role as a mediator in the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. He explained that negotiations were conducted multiple times, including meetings between the armed forces' heads of both countries in Kuala Lumpur, followed by discussions with foreign ministers and, more recently, defence ministers.
Additionally, as ASEAN Chair, Anwar emphasized Malaysia's contribution to expanding and strengthening the ceasefire in Myanmar with support from neighbouring countries, particularly Thailand. He noted that while incidents of violence against ethnic groups such as the Karen, Arakan, and Rohingya still occur, they are gradually declining. Moreover, Malaysia has been allowed to deliver humanitarian aid to Myanmar without restrictions for the first time.
In response to Amirudin's supplementary question on a new framework for ASEAN to address regional conflicts, Anwar underscored the importance of centrality and neutrality in guiding the regional bloc. He advocated for constructive engagement and consultative approaches in managing conflicts.
Anwar explained that when the issue between Thailand and Cambodia arose, Malaysia proactively reached out to both parties, leading to an invitation to Kuala Lumpur and eventual agreement. He acknowledged that ASEAN had previously focused more on centrality than neutrality.
Regarding Myanmar, Anwar used diplomatic channels to engage in discussions, with ASEAN member countries' consent. He clarified that neutrality involves not taking sides, while centrality involves maintaining relations and interactions. Anwar stressed that the non-interference principle does not preclude engagement or discussions.
He noted that previous efforts lacked ASEAN consensus, but his emphasis on such matters garnered support. However, ASEAN remains bound by the Five-Point Consensus, which upholds freedom, election rights, and refrains from military agendas or attacks on countries or minority areas.