Kuala lumpur: The long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is expected to be resolved this Thursday during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar revealed that the defence ministers of both countries will participate in the talks to reach a mutual understanding, at the very least, to maintain or reaffirm a ceasefire and ensure no further violations, especially in the disputed border areas. Anwar expressed hope that several coordinated points of agreement, facilitated by Malaysia, can be formalised by Aug 7, highlighting the importance of a final consensus and resolution for bilateral ties and the credibility of ASEAN.
The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), who inquired about Malaysia’s role in facilitating peace negotiations and a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. The GBC meeting, which began in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, runs until Aug 7 and involves senior defence and security officials from Thailand and Cambodia.
On July 28, both countries agreed to an unconditional, immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar. During the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to hold the GBC meeting as part of the ceasefire agreement.
In response to another query from Rodiyah regarding the deployment of a monitoring team, Anwar stated that Malaysia is ready to coordinate such an effort along the Thailand-Cambodia border if requested by both countries. He noted that the situation remains under control, though still tense and sensitive, and Malaysia’s Defence Attach©, along with ASEAN counterparts, will coordinate remote surveillance efforts for now.
According to Anwar, it is still too early to establish a formal regional security framework under mechanisms like the ASEAN Regional Forum or other security initiatives. Responding to Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) about the continuation of hosting the GBC after Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship ends next year, Anwar confirmed that Malaysia has been mandated to remain the mediator until the dispute is resolved.
Anwar emphasized that Malaysia’s role as mediator is not strictly tied to its ASEAN Chairmanship, and while a resolution was initially anticipated within three months, peace negotiations should not be rushed. He stressed the non-negotiable enforcement of a ceasefire and noted that Malaysia is working to ensure the talks remain within ASEAN’s framework and are not influenced by global powers. Anwar concluded by stating that any peacekeeping presence at the border should be limited to ASEAN nations, though logistical support from the US or China is welcome.