Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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 Attach© Observer Team will help to monitor the situation, and we believe there is no longer any need for full ASEAN intervention,' he added.
Anwar explained that China and the United States are not involved in monitoring the border, offering only cooperation and logistical assistance if necessary. The matter remains a bilateral issue between Thailand and Cambodia, coordinated by Malaysia with the full support of ASEAN. During a courtesy visit, all parties outlined steps that must be taken, as the situation involves a disputed border area.
The Prime Minister emphasized that regardless of the dispute, violence is unnecessary. Currently, around 300,000 people from both countries have been displaced, requiring relocation to secure areas. Anwar highlighted the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and continuing the General Border Committee (GBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC), with the agreement of the respective Defence Ministers and Cabinets of both countries.
Anwar noted that since the initial ceasefire agreement was signed on July 28, no major incidents have occurred in the conflict area. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, who promptly engaged with counterparts in the region to negotiate peace. Anwar mentioned ongoing communication with Cambodia and Thailand's Prime Ministers and other partners to ensure the success of the facilitation efforts.