Malaysia’s PM against the use of violence to resolve southern Thailand conflicts

Malaysia’s Prime Minister is making it clear that he is against the use of violence to resolve conflict in southern Thailand.

PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is meeting with Thailand’s PM Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House. He says it ‘was a session for a most serious and frank exchange’ and ‘not just an ordinary diplomatic session.’

“I came here with a clear message, that the government of Malaysia will not condone the use of violence to resolve any conflicts.”

According to Thai PBS World, he furthered that Malaysia is a good neighbour and friend and will do whatever is necessary to help with the peace process in the region.

Malaysia has been mediating a peace dialogue between the Thai government and the south’s separatist groups. Anwar recently appointed former military chief Zulkifli Zainal Abidin to be the new facilitator of the talks.

Aside from peace being ‘of paramount importance’ in the south, he also stressed the need for economic development in the border areas.

Prayut also spoke at the press conference saying that the two countries are committed to strengthening their multi-faceted cooperation, at both bilateral and regional levels.

The two prime ministers witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding for cooperation in the fields of science, energy, green and digital economy.

Anwar also discussed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar with Prayut. He says he wants to see ASEAN take more coherent and concerted action to help reduce the violence in Myanmar.

This is Anwar’s first trip to Bangkok after becoming prime minister back in November. He is accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Anwar is expected to perform today’s prayers at the Islamic Center of Thailand this evening.

Violence in southern Thailand has been ongoing for years. Just yesterday, a bomb attack at a railway in Narathiwat province injured eight subdistrict security officers.