Malaysia’s Role In Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire Contributes Positively To US Tariff Talks

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) – Malaysia's role as a mediator in the ceasefire negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand has contributed positively to the reciprocal negotiations between Malaysia and the United States (US), said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

“Honestly I don’t know, I didn’t ask… but it definitely helps,” he replied to reporters' questions about the impact of Malaysia's role in helping to temporarily stop the border conflict between the two neighbouring countries.

Tengku Zafrul added that the issue of Cambodia and Thailand was one of the matters discussed between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump during a telephone call.

“One of the discussions between the prime minister and the US president is about the ceasefire and it gives a good impression on Malaysia’s role as chairman of ASEAN and a peace keeper in the ceasefire,” he said.

Thailand and Cambodia have long been at odds over the 817-kilometre border issue that has not been finalised and tensions peaked on May 28 when fighting near the disputed Preah Vihear area resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia had also requested that the tariff rates imposed on Malaysia be competitive with other ASEAN countries.

“We want the (tariffs) rate to be fair in the region, with our ASEAN neigbours... relatively, we are quite satisfied with the rate.

“We feel that the 19 per cent rate is fair and roughly tracks the rate of other countries in the Southeast Asian region,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and the US are expected to issue a joint statement on US tariffs this Saturday or Sunday. 

-- BERNAMA