30/07/2025

WEDNESDAY | JULY 30, 2025

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‘Malaysia relies on legal frameworks to address maritime border issues with Indonesia’

JAKARTA: Malaysia has never adopted an aggressive stance in addressing maritime border issues with Indonesia, including the long-standing Ambalat dispute, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. At a dialogue with members of the Malaysian Indonesian Journalists Association and chief editors of major Indonesian media outlets yesterday, Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to legal frameworks and diplomatic negotiations. “With regard to the Ambalat issue (in the Sulawesi Sea), we follow the legal path. We do not take an aggressive stance. Both sides must avoid encroaching into each other’s territory.” Anwar, is on a working visit to Indonesia, accompanied by federal and state leaders, including Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, whose presence, he said, is meant to facilitate discussions with Indonesia, particularly on matters involving East Malaysia. The Ambalat dispute involving overlapping maritime claims in the Sulawesi Sea between East Kalimantan

(Indonesia) and southeastern Sabah (Malaysia) has persisted since Malaysia published a map of its maritime boundaries in 1979. Tensions peaked in 2005, prompting the formation of the Malaysian Indonesian Journalists Association, a bilateral media initiative composed of top editors from both nations, to help promote constructive narratives and reduce friction over sensitive bilateral issues. According to a written reply on the Malaysian Parliament portal dated July 22, the Foreign Ministry said the ND6 and ND7 oil exploration blocks, which are part of the area Indonesia refers to as Ambang Batas Laut or “Ambalat”, fall within Malaysian sovereign territory under international law. It said Malaysia’s stance is rooted in international legal principles, including the 2002 ruling by the International Court of Justice concerning nearby territorial disputes, Bernama reported. “In this regard, the reference to ‘Ambalat’ for parts of the blocks is inaccurate and misleading. Therefore, the correct term for the area in question, in line with Malaysia’s position, is the Sulawesi Sea.”

Anwar being received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto ahead of their bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on July 29. – AFPPIC

US lauds PM for brokering Thai-Cambodia ceasefire o Meeting mediated by Anwar as Asean chair was attended by premiers of both nations, envoys of US, China

Asean must narrow developmental gaps, says Anwar

Ű BY HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNAN news@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Asean must direct its focus inward and strengthen economic integration to withstand current global economic headwinds, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his policy speech on Asean, delivered at the Asean Secretariat here on Tuesday, he said the region is home to a vast and market of 660 million people. “The potential is undeniable, but to realise it fully we must narrow the existing development gaps and forge stronger, more equitable economic linkages across member states.” At the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar had said Asean leaders would renew efforts to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to improve the unimpeded flow of goods and create a more seamless and dynamic Asean Economic Community. He described Asean’s network of free trade agreements as a cornerstone of the region’s resilience but warned that rising protectionism and shifting supply chains require continued openness and reform. “It is only through sustained liberalisation and cooperation that we can safeguard jobs, preserve growth and consolidate our position in the global economy.” Anwar said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) remains central to Asean’s role in regional economic architecture. He said Asean must continue to modernise trade agreements with partners like China, India and South Korea, while advancing the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement to position itself at the forefront of digital transformation. “Business as usual is no longer an option.” Anwar also highlighted sustainability as a core priority, pointing to the Asean Power Grid as key to driving the region’s green energy transition, attracting investment and ensuring long-term energy security. He added that Asean’s commitment to regionalism and multilateralism remains the anchor of its collective progress, citing Malaysia’s recent role as Asean chair in brokering talks between Cambodia and Thailand amid rising border tensions. “This reflects not only the strength of Asean’s convening power but also the constructive engagement of our partners in safeguarding regional stability. “Asean cannot control global currents, nor can we dictate terms to the world. Nonetheless, we can chart our own future for the better with courage, foresight and determination.”

This was their first face-to-face encounter since tensions erupted between the two neighbours on July 24. The meeting lasted nearly two and a half hours. Also in attendance were US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. The US was a co-organiser of the meeting, while China was an observer to promote a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. At a joint media conference after the meeting, Anwar announced that Thailand and Cambodia had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The two Southeast Asian neighbours have a long history of diplomatic rows over an 817km undemarcated stretch of their shared border. Tensions between both nations have been simmering since May 28 following a skirmish between their troops near the dis puted Preah Vihear border area, which claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. He said this acknowledgement of Malaysia’s capabilities did not happen overnight but was painstakingly built through consistent and principled diplomatic commitments in tackling regional issues. “Malaysia was previously successful as a mediator for the Moro group and the Philippine government in the Southern Philippines. We also played a vital role in the conflict faced by the Thai government in Southern Thailand. “So it’s unsurprising that as current Asean chair, Malaysia is again given the task of mediating negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand. This is an important step towards peace and regional stability, and a show of trust by regional partners in Malaysia,” he said as a guest on Bernama TV’s “Malaysia Petang Ini” programme on Monday.

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) has commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership in brokering the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US applauds the ceasefire declaration between Cambodia and Thailand announced on Monday. “We are grateful to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and for hosting the ceasefire talks,” he said in a statement released by the US State Department. Rubio urged Thailand and Cambodia to fully honour their commitments to end the

conflict and prevent further escalation along their disputed border. “President Donald Trump and I are com mitted to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour their commit ments to end this conflict. “We urge all parties to follow through on their commitments.” A special meeting brokered by Anwar in his capacity as the current Asean chair, was held at the Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya on Monday. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai attended the meet ing which began at 3pm, Bernama reported.

Nation proves credibility in handling conflicts: Experts KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s success as a mediator in the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia demonstrates the country’s ability and credibility as Asean chair, say experts. moral and symbolic leverage. What is important here is that Malaysia is utilising its chairmanship creatively not just as a host for meetings but also by genuinely acting as a facilitator.” respects every country’s sovereignty, making Malaysia the obvious choice when there is a need for a peaceful solution between parties caught in conflicts.

She said Anwar’s approach is seen as breathing new life into foreign policy, with a boldness to speak up and greater responsiveness to crises. Khoo said in the Thailand-Cambodia issue, Malaysia played an active role, responded swiftly and did not merely issue empty statements. She said this success opened the door for Malaysia to become more relevant in regional diplomacy, Bernama reported. “If Malaysia can maintain this momentum, it creates a new narrative, that we are not just ‘process guardians’ but also ‘solution drivers’.” Political analyst Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed attributed Malaysia’s ability to act as a mediator in various regional conflicts to its neutral, constructive approach that

The diplomatic and pragmatic approach under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strengthened the country’s position as a trusted facilitator in addressing regional issues and conflicts. Universiti Malaya International and Strategic Studies Department Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi said neighbouring countries’ trust in Malaysia reflects its reputation as a nation that adopts a moderate, non confrontational and pragmatic stance in international relations. She said within Asean, Malaysia is often seen as a nation willing to play the role of facilitator rather than an aggressor, which made it more acceptable to conflicting parties. “Malaysia’s position as Asean chair gives it