KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Asean leaders have agreed Malaysia should continue mediating the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim contacted all Asean leaders earlier this morning before receiving a courtesy call from the Cambodian and Thai delegations here for the extraordinary General Border Committee meeting at the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Wisma Perwira.
Saifuddin said all Asean leaders contacted expressed their support for Malaysia to mediate the conflict between the two neighbours.
“All agreed that the current bilateral mechanism is sufficient for now, while also agreeing there would be another round of discussions after today’s meeting,” he told a press conference after the meeting.
Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Chief of Defence Forces Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.
Saifuddin said Malaysia appreciates the determination and willingness shown by the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand in seeking a resolution to their conflict.
“In today’s meeting, the heads and members of the delegations from both countries truly upheld the principles long practised at the Asean level, namely consultation and dialogue based on trust and mutual respect,” he said.
He said the meeting reflects the shared understanding that a ceasefire is not merely a pause, but a promise to protect lives, to uphold dignity and to prevent further suffering.
“That promise must be honoured through our commitment, effective monitoring and sincere political will from both sides. We are proud to see that both sides have given this commitment throughout the meetings in the last few days.
“In Asean, we believe in resolving disputes through consensus, non-confrontation, trust, mutual respect, and the spirit of non-interference. We strengthen our regional unity. This Asean spirit has guided us today, and will continue to guide us in the days ahead,” he added.
Saifuddin said Malaysia as the host is deeply honoured to support both parties in this process and is ready to offer assistance in facilitating talks, building confidence, and supporting practical mechanisms for monitoring the ceasefire.
In today’s meeting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to observe a ceasefire along their shared border, with both sides maintaining current troop positions while refraining from further reinforcements.
According to the issued agreed minutes of the meeting, both sides must avoid unprovoked firing towards the other side’s positions or troops, which may escalate tensions.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and National Defence Minister Tea Seiha and Thai acting defence minister Nattaphon Narkphanit.
Also present as observers were Saifuddin, Adly and Mohd Nizam from Malaysia, as well as United States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
