Refuting claims that Malaysia has failed to coordinate in the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan countered that this is not correct. In fact, even though Malaysia is no longer the ASEAN chair, both countries still request Malaysia to play a coordinating role.
“We are no longer the ASEAN chair country; the Philippines has taken over, but both countries (Thailand and Cambodia) still wish for Malaysia to be the coordinator.”
Mohamad Hasan made these remarks today (the 20th) in Parliament while responding to Biluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.
In July last year, Thailand and Cambodia once again had military clashes over a border dispute. In October, both parties signed the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement during the ASEAN Summit. However, on December 7, ground clashes broke out again between the two sides.
Meanwhile, regarding Myanmar's phased elections, Mohamad Hasan stated that ASEAN did not officially send observers to monitor the elections, as ASEAN does not agree with elections held by the military government.
“Elections must involve everyone, not just a minority. This is ASEAN’s position.”
Myanmar held its first phase of voting on December 28 last year, the second phase on January 11, and the third phase will be held on January 25.
“Malaysia and ASEAN's position is very clear. We did not send observers. Although some member countries sent observers, Malaysia will not interfere.”