KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand and Cambodia want Malaysia to continue acting as a mediator in their border disputes, even though Malaysia is no longer the Asean chair.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said claims that Asean, which was chaired by Malaysia last year, had failed to address conflicts within the bloc were inaccurate.
“I think it is not accurate to say Asean has failed to handle regional issues. Take, for example, the disputes between Cambodia and Thailand — we were able to help resolve them.
“Malaysia acted as a facilitator because both countries wanted us to, not simply because we were the Asean chair last year. Malaysia is no longer the Asean chair, as the Philippines takes over the role in 2026, yet both countries still prefer Malaysia as a mediator.
“I told my counterparts to put it in writing — not because we are eager, but because both countries are comfortable working with Malaysia,” he told Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to supplementary questions from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN–Beluran) regarding Malaysia’s proposals based on Asean principles, following perceptions that attempts to resolve the Thailand–Cambodia conflict, with Malaysia’s and the United States’ involvement, had failed in terms of security due to repeated violations of ceasefires.
Mohamad also said that Asean had not recognised the two elections held in Myanmar, as it did not send representatives or observers because the polls did not involve all relevant parties.
“We said that elections must be fully inclusive, not selective, and many parties were not allowed to participate.
“Asean seeks to resolve issues among member states collectively. While the Asean Charter does not allow interference in internal affairs, the situation in Myanmar is no longer solely an internal matter.
“It has become a concern for Asean countries, particularly Malaysia, with the influx of refugees from Myanmar and issues such as job scams in Cambodia and Thailand.”
He added that the Asean Code of Conduct for the South China Sea is expected to be finalised this year, as part of efforts to resolve disputes in the region.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
