Anwar Cambodia Thailand Want Malaysia To Continue As Mediator

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PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Thailand and Cambodia would like Malaysia to retain its role as their mediator, even after its Asean chairpersonship had lapsed.
He told the Dewan Rakyat today that he expects negotiations to take at least another three months, cautioning that such discussions cannot be limited in terms of time.
“The mandate given was that they asked me to continue until the situation is resolved, so it is not really tied to the position as Asean chairperson,” he said during Prime Minister Question Time in response to a question on the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.
On July 28, Anwar announced a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, which had seen rising tensions since May 28, following a deadly incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
The two neighbouring countries have a long-standing dispute over their 817km border, which remains partially unmarked.
The ceasefire agreement came after peace talks mediated by the prime minister in Putrajaya.
Anwar, as Asean chairperson, said the ceasefire is among the common understandings reached at the meeting attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Avoiding superpower entanglement
Commenting further, Anwar spoke on avoiding the involvement of global superpowers in regional disputes.
“This is how we avoid the participation and involvement of major powers in negotiations between Asean countries.
“Even if there is a peacekeeping force at the border, it should only be limited to the presence of representatives or soldiers from Asean countries.
“If there is logistical assistance from the US and China, we welcome that,” he said.
ADSIn thanking Dr Taufiq Johari (Harapan-Sungai Petani) for the question, Anwar playfully mocked the opposition for reciting the “qunut nazilah” prayer during the recent Turun Anwar rally.
“So, thank you, Sungai Petani (Taufiq). On this issue, it seems we agree, so I hope this spirit continues. 
“There is no need to (recite the) ‘qunut nazilah’, there is no need anymore,” he said.
The prayer is recited when Muslims are met with misfortune.
‘Well done, but what about us?’
While the opposition commended Anwar on his mediation, they questioned the prime minister on domestic matters - specifically on allocations for opposition lawmakers.
Anwar replied by saying that the opposition has yet to agree on the matter and directed them to Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.
Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) then indicated his preparedness to meet Anwar today on the matter.
Opposition leader Hamzah ZainudinHowever, Anwar stressed that Fadillah is the person who has been tasked to deal with the issue.
“Regarding domestic affairs, I can meet with you, but regarding allocations, we have given the mandate to the second deputy prime minister (Fadillah),” he told the opposition. - Mkini

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