Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Thailand-Cambodia Peace Process Despite Border Incident – Defence Force Chief

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the peace process between Thailand and Cambodia following Thailand’s announcement yesterday that it was suspending all agreements with Cambodia after a landmine explosion along the border injured several of its personnel.

Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, when contacted, said Malaysia’s stance was to ensure that the peace process remained uninterrupted, given its importance to regional stability.

He said the process should continue without disruption, as any delay could risk a return to previous hostilities.

“We understand there will be a ‘cooling period’ to allow both sides to assess the current situation. However, we hope the matter can be resolved as soon as possible, especially since the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) for Thailand is currently attending a meeting of Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC).

“We hope a positive decision can be reached so that this peace process can continue and achieve its objectives,” he said today.

Mohd Nizam said that although the issue was bilateral between Thailand and Cambodia, ASEAN member states also shared a collective responsibility to assist one another.

At present, he said, the AOT team was not allowed to enter the incident area, located about 40 kilometres from the border.

“If a crisis similar to the previous one recurs, both AOT teams will be redeployed to Phnom Penh and Bangkok. For now, most of the plans under the peace agreement have already been implemented, including demining operations and other related measures.

“If the process is temporarily suspended, the AOT will reposition themselves and continue discussions with both sides to ensure all activities can resume,” he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported today as saying that Malaysia acts only as a coordinator in the peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia without imposing any conditions, serving instead as a facilitator to ensure the negotiations proceed smoothly.

Yesterday, international media reported that the Thai Armed Forces Chief had announced the suspension of all agreements with Cambodia following a landmine explosion along the two countries’ border, heightening tensions after clashes in July.

Four Thai soldiers were reportedly injured after a PMN-2 type landmine exploded during a patrol in Sisaket province, Thailand, with one losing his right leg.

The Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, witnessed by Anwar and United States President Donald Trump, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit on Oct 26.

On July 28, Anwar hosted a meeting in Putrajaya between Manet and Thailand’s then-Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, which eased border tensions between the two countries through an agreement to implement a ceasefire.

The ceasefire, hailed as a major ASEAN achievement, prevented further military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians.

-- BERNAMA