22/12/2025

First page Previous page 3 Next page Last page

MONDAY | DEC 22, 2025

‘Asean talks may secure ceasefire, not full solution’

PM calls for dialogue to ease conflict

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of Cambodia and Thailand upholding the spirit of dialogue, wisdom and mutual respect to ease tensions and safeguard peace and stability in the Asean region. In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Anwar said he raised the matter during separate telephone conversations with the premiers of Cambodia and Thailand, during which they exchanged views and discussed the best way forward to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. “The Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, to be held tomorrow (today), will serve as an appropriate and constructive platform for the two countries to engage in open negotiations, resolve their differences peacefully and work towards a just and lasting solution,” said Anwar. Meanwhile Wisma Putra, in a statement yesterday, said the special meeting of the Asean Foreign Ministers on the latest situation between Cambodia and Thailand is a follow-up to the agreement reached by Anwar and the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on Dec 11. On Dec 17, Anwar reportedly said that the meeting would allow Asean to hold collective discussions, establish the facts on the ground and intensify efforts to persuade both sides to halt attacks along the front lines, beginning with an immediate ceasefire. The prime minister added that the decision to convene the meeting – an initiative by Malaysia and Asean to ease tensions and prevent further escalation of the conflict – was reached, following ongoing negotiations with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia. – Bernama

o Foreign ministers’ meeting could help de-escalate Cambodia–Thailand tensions but analysts caution against high expectations

de-escalation rather than adjudication. Lyndon emphasised that Asean-led meetings are effective at containing disputes but weak as enforcement tools. “Historical evidence shows that such meetings help keep conflicts within diplomatic channels, prevent isolation and reduce the risk of uncontrolled escalation. “However, they rarely produce decisive outcomes because Asean lacks coercive authority and relies on voluntary compliance. This pattern has been consistent across issues ranging from territorial disputes to internal political crises within member states.” He added that from a political sociology perspective, these outcomes still matter as they maintain Asean’s relevance, signal collective concern, and stabilise regional expectations. “We have to understand the main role of Asean is to encourage mutual respect and non-interference, which reduces conflicts in the region.” Today, Malaysia will host the special meeting of Asean foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur to address the Cambodia–Thailand situation, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The session follows a decision by the prime ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on Dec 11. Border tensions flared in July, resulting in several days of armed clashes before a ceasefire was agreed on July 28. Both countries later signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord on Oct 26 during the 47th Asean Summit. However, hostilities have resurfaced in recent weeks, causing fatalities and displacing thousands of residents.

PETALING JAYA: While a full resolution is unlikely, today’s Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting could at least secure a ceasefire and reopen talks between the General Border Committees of Thailand and Cambodia, analysts say. Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the meeting being held at the foreign minister level highlights the work still required on the ground, particularly along the disputed border. He cautioned against setting overly high expectations but said if talks proceed smoothly, there may be no need to escalate the matter to the prime ministerial level. “The most important outcome would be for a ceasefire to be agreed upon by the foreign ministers. “Thailand agreed to attend the meeting to demonstrate the realities on the ground, while Cambodia also wants Asean’s involvement and without it, might have sought the intervention of the global community due to military pressure from Thailand.” Azmi said the most realistic outcome would be for the General Border Committees of Thailand and Cambodia to resume dialogue, a key step in preventing further escalation. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Johari, who is also Investment, Trade and Industry minister, said some residents had already vacated their homes but were still waiting for the promised replacement houses, creating difficulties as construction remains incomplete. He said issues had also arisen over changes in the project’s ownership, with residents claiming the agreement was initially signed with one company, which later sold part of its interest to a new developer. Authorities are now examining accountability should the project fail, based on terms agreed eight years ago. Speaking after launching Citrawarna Kampong Bharu 2025 in conjunction with Kampung Baru’s 125th anniversary, Johari said he had asked the Kuala Lumpur mayor to prioritise the construction of two residential blocks so traditional landowners could return as soon as possible. The redevelopment project, which began on Nov 30, is expected to be completed within four years. Previously, it was announced that the new units would measure between 83.6 sq m and 111.5 sq m each with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with incentives such as free maintenance for the first year and discounts of up to 70 per cent in subsequent years. Johari also said Citrawarna Kampong Bharu will become an annual event to promote the area as a heritage tourism destination. – Bernama

“This step is very important as it will help prevent the situation from escalating further.” Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre for Development, Social and Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Prof Dr Novel Lyndon said both countries agreeing to Asean-facilitated talks shows diplomatic channels remain open despite ongoing tensions. “This makes the meeting a feasible conflict-management intervention, even if it cannot serve as a full conflict-resolution mechanism.” Lyndon added that Asean’s credibility lies in preventing escalation rather than imposing solutions, noting that the Cambodia–Thailand case highlights the bloc’s limits and the risk of being sidelined due to direct interstate tensions and external involvement by major powers. Based on Asean’s track record, he said success should be defined realistically, as the bloc has never enforced binding outcomes in interstate disputes but has facilitated ceasefires, joint statements and monitoring arrangements. “A successful outcome would include formal reaffirmation of restraint by both parties, agreement to sustain dialogue under Asean guidance and acceptance of confidence-building or observer mechanisms,” he said, stressing that these align with Asean’s historical role in