PM ANWAR: MALAYSIA ONLY MEDIATES, UP TO THAILAND, CAMBODIA TO RESOLVE BORDER ISSUE

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's position is to help mediate and ensure the cessation of hostilities in the Thailand and Cambodia border issue, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

The decision is entirely up to the Thais and the Cambodians, he said. “We (Malaysia) don't decide," he added, in response to a question during a special press conference here on Tuesday. 

According to the Prime Minister, the criticism levelled against Malaysia was based on pure ignorance and prejudice.

He was responding to questions regarding Malaysia’s role as the mediator in the issue.

"Because any decision, be it Kuala Lumpur (Peace) Accords, the General Border Committee meetings, and meeting coordinated by our (Malaysia's) Foreign Minister, myself, with (US) President (Donald) Trump and now with (Chinese Foreign Minister) Wang Yi, are all done consistent with  KL Accords, and with the understanding and full participation and finally full agreement between both countries (Thailand and Cambodia)," he said. 

According to Anwar, he has consistently taken a 'very reserved' and also 'cautious' approach in discussing the matter with both Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.  

"And our (Malaysia's) Chief of Armed Forces contacted both parties; similarly, the (Malaysia's) Foreign Minister is in touch with both their Foreign Ministers," he added.

Earlier at the press conference, Anwar said he warmly welcomed the agreement by Cambodia and Thailand to consolidate their ceasefire through direct talks held in China.

The swift transition from a cessation of hostilities to structured follow-up discussions reflects a determination to prevent relapse and to stabilise the situation on a more durable footing, he said. 

"I am grateful for China's role in hosting these discussions and in providing a setting in which both sides were able to focus on practical steps to reduce risk and rebuild confidence. Such facilitation is most valuable when it supports de-escalation and reinforces regional efforts," he added. 

Anwar also recognised the vital role of United States (US) President Donald J. Trump, whose engagement helped broker the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, which laid the groundwork for the cessation of hostilities.

"That involvement contributed to creating the political space in which the parties were able to step back from confrontation and commit to restraint," he said. 

-- BERNAMA