PUTRAJAYA, July 26 (Bernama) — Malaysia has reiterated its appeal to Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint, undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine peace efforts.
As the Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia said it is deeply concerned over the escalation between the two nations, which has resulted in increasing casualties on both sides, destruction of public property, and the displacement of a large number of people along the border areas.
“We reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise maximum restraint and undertake an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and refrain from taking any action that may undermine it,” Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said in a statement Saturday.
He further urged both sides to return to the negotiating table to restore peace and stability based on the spirit of the ASEAN family, unity, and good neighbourliness.
“We stand ready to continue our work through the good offices of the ASEAN Chair in facilitating both immediate neighbours and fellow members of ASEAN to resume talks and end the fighting,” he added.
In the latest development, Malaysia will continue engaging with the leaders of both states to propose a peace process in response to the border conflict between the two countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had expressed appreciation for his initiative to propose a peace process and a ceasefire.
On Friday, Anwar said the government does not take lightly the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its impact on Malaysia.
Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have been escalating since May 28 following a deadly incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
The two countries have been at odds for decades over their still-undemarcated 817-kilometre border, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic relations.
— BERNAMA