Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has proposed that Thailand and Cambodia employ the General Border Committee as a mechanism to address and resolve the ongoing diplomatic disputes between the two nations, as stated by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. If both countries agree during negotiations, the leaders should then embrace the proposals presented by the committee.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Hasan mentioned that both Thailand and Cambodia are insistent on the other side issuing an apology first. He suggested the use of the General Border Committee mechanism, emphasizing that each country has its strengths but neither wants to concede. This statement was made to reporters after the minister officiated the Besut UMNO Division meeting.
Mohamad Hasan emphasized his consistent communication with his counterparts-Maris Sangiampongsa of Thailand and Prak Sokhonn of Cambodia-urging them to halt the dispute. He advocated for a ceasefire to be established promptly, highlighting the long-standing friendship, neighborly ties, and family connections between the two countries. Mohamad expressed his commitment to engaging in further dialogue with influential contacts in Thailand and Cambodia.
In addition, Mohamad revealed that Wisma Putra has already issued a travel advisory preventing Malaysians in both countries from visiting or approaching the conflict zones. The Malaysian embassies in Bangkok and Phnom Penh remain accessible for Malaysians to report any issues, including those related to the ongoing conflict.
Recent media reports indicated a clash between Thai and Cambodian troops last Thursday over a contested border area, with each side blaming the other for instigating the latest confrontation. Tensions have been rising since a bloody incident on May 28 in the Preah Vihear area, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. The unresolved 817-kilometre border dispute has been a longstanding issue, affecting the diplomatic relations between the two Southeast Asian nations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly reached out to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on Thursday, expressing Malaysia's concerns over the escalating tensions.