Thai-Cambodia peace talks: M'sia proves credibility as ASEAN Chair in handling conflict - Experts

Malaysia's neutral yet constructive approach enabled both neighbouring nations to reach a point of mutual understanding through harmonious and respectful diplomatic channels, in line with ASEAN's principles of regional conflict resolution.

The diplomatic and pragmatic approach driven by Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has further strengthened the country's position as a trusted facilitator in addressing regional issues and conflicts.

Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi of the University of Malaya's Department of International and Strategic Studies said neighbouring countries' trust in Malaysia reflected its reputation as a nation that adopts a moderate, non-confrontational, and pragmatic stance in international relations.

She said that within ASEAN, Malaysia was 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 moral and symbolic leverage. What is important here is that Malaysia utilises its chairmanship creatively, not just as a host for meetings, but by genuinely acting as a facilitator.

"That trust arises when Malaysia is seen as willing to take diplomatic risks to calm tensions," she told Bernama.

She explained that Anwar's approach was seen as breathing new life into foreign policy, with a boldness to speak up and greater responsiveness to crises. 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, though sustaining this momentum depended on the government's ability to institutionalise such an approach as a rooted and sustainable policy, rather than just reacting to current crises.

"If Malaysia can maintain this momentum, it creates a new narrative -- that we are not just 'process guardians' but also 'solution drivers'. This is crucial, because after our ASEAN chairmanship ends, we must still prove that we remain relevant and consistent in regional engagement.

"If the success of this mediation turns into a stepping stone for a deeper involvement in other issues, such as Myanmar or the South China Sea, then Malaysia can build long-term credibility as a country that not only talks about peace, but works towards it," she added.

Anwar had reached out to Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet individually, requesting that both leaders agree to an immediate ceasefire and restart negotiations to resolve the border conflict on Friday.

That led to Phumtham and Manet announcing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire that will take effect at midnight (local time) tonight at a special meeting Anwar chaired at Seri Perdana Complex in Putrajaya today.

United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan and China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing were both present at the meeting, with the United States acting as the co-organiser, and China as an observer.

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 respected every country's sovereignty, making Malaysia the obvious choice when there was a need for a peaceful solution between parties caught in conflicts.

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 towards Malaysia," he said as a guest on Bernama TV's Malaysia Petang Ini programme today.

At the media conference after today's special meeting, Cambodia and Thailand conveyed their deepest appreciation to Malaysia and praised the country's vital role in easing tensions and ensuring an immediate ceasefire between both countries, with Manet describing the special meeting hosted by Anwar as "urgent and timely".

Media outlets have previously reported on recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces in the disputed border area, which escalated tension between both countries following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear region in Cambodia that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.

-- BERNAMA