Southern Thailand conflict: Malaysia capable of becoming mediator

Malaysia''s ''wasatiyyah'''' (moderation) approach in its administration enables it to become an effective middleman in resolving the conflict faced by Muslims in southern Thailand, said Universiti Fatoni deputy rector Dr Ahmad Umar Japakiya.

He said, peace negotiations were made open again after the Patani Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu (BRN) stated on April 10 their willingness to hold negotiations with the military junta led by General Prayuk Chantiocha that was previously rejected for certain reasons.

According to Ahmad Umar, BRN was willing to hold the negotiations based on three conditions, among which the talks should be witnessed by another country or international organisation that is credible and influential at the international level.

"As such, in our opinion, Malaysia, through its Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is capable of becoming a suitable mediator for the peace talks as it practices moderation and fairness in its actions, " he said.

He said this as a panellist when presenting a paper entitled, "Perjuangan Politik Minoriti Umat Islam di Thailand: Hak-hak dan Kewajipan Pemerintah" at the International Wasatiyyah Seminar 2017 - Fiqh Wala dan Taat: Peranannya dalam Mensejahterakan Negara, at the Putrajaya International Conference Centre (PICC) here today.

Ahmad Umar brought to the attention Najib''s and Malaysia''s leadership when acting as a facilitator in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Gerakan Perjuangan Kemerdekaan Patani and Thailand Peace Council ini Kuala Lumpur, on Feb 28 2013 which influenced both parties to appoint Malaysia as a mediator for subsequent talks.

He added, as a mediator, Malaysia, through its respected Prime Minister could talk with the Thai government as well as give recommendations to BRN, enabling both parties to address issues faced by the Muslims in the country.

-- BERNAMA