PM Najib hails relaunch of Bangsamoro peace deal

Malaysia will remain committed to the Bangsamoro peace deal for as long as is desired, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

This was because, peace and harmony benefit not only Mindanao and the Bangsamoro people, but also the Philippines and the region, he said while urging all parties to continue to pursue those goals.

"The peaceful resolution of a decades-long conflict that has cost the lives of tens of thousands is a historical achievement.

"And Malaysia has been proud to facilitate the negotiations that have contributed to delivering greater safety and stability in Mindanao, the Philippines and the region," he said in a statement.

Najib said he is very pleased that members of the Government of the Philippines' new implementing panel and representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are meeting in Kuala Lumpur today and tomorrow.

They will formally relaunch the Implementing Phase of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, he said.

He added that Malaysia respects the sovereignty of other countries and consider foreign interference in the domestic affairs of others to be wrong.

"However, when requested by the Government of a friend and neighbour, we are happy to provide all possible assistance," he said.

Najib said the determination shown by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his vision in setting up the new peace roadmap remains crucial.

"While certainly there are challenges ahead, I am confident that under President Duterte's leadership, and with Malaysia steadfast in its role as an honest broker, a new era of development and prosperity in the southern Philippines can be achieved," he added.