Pas Questions Anwar Over Making Thaksin Personal Adviser In Asean Role

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Thaksin Shinawatra was the prime minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006, before he was ousted in a military coup and went into exile. (AP pic)
PETALING JAYA: A PAS leader has questioned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to make former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra his “personal adviser” when Malaysia chairs Asean next year.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari described the move as “unprecedented” and added that it has raised numerous questions, not just about its political rationale, but also its logic and morality.
“Since when does a national leader require a former leader of another country as a personal adviser?
“Typically, such appointments involve diplomats, former foreign ministers, or academics specialising in international relations. However, Anwar has opted for a former prime minister convicted in his own country for abuse of power and corruption,” he said in a statement.
Earlier today, Anwar announced at a joint press conference with Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra that he had agreed to appoint her father, Thaksin, as his personal adviser in his capacity as chairman of Asean in 2025.
He said that Thaksin would be supported by a team comprising members from various Asean nations, adding that it would be an informal set-up.
Thaksin was the Thai prime minister from 2001 to 2006, when he was ousted in a military coup. He lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years before returning to Thailand in August 2023.
Upon his return, he was jailed for eight years on charges of graft and abuse of power. However, within days, his sentence was slashed to one year by Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The 74-year-old billionaire was released on parole on Feb 18 after six months in detention.
Fadhli also questioned what unique strengths does Thaksin have that Asean scholars, diplomats, or experts cannot offer.
“Does Anwar genuinely believe that Thaksin possesses unparalleled political and diplomatic wisdom?” he said.
He also said Thaksin’s appointment raises the question of who really benefits from this decision.
“Does it serve Malaysia, Asean, or just Anwar personally?
“If it is the prime minister, then Malaysians have the right to ask whether Asean is being used as a platform for Anwar to elevate his international profile,” Fadhli added. - FMT

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