PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for all unresolved disputes in the region to be brought to the negotiating table, emphasising the importance of diplomacy and mutual understanding among ASEAN member states.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Anwar said he had spoken with his Cambodian counterpart, Prime Minister Hun Manet, on Thursday to gain further insight into the ongoing situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border.
"Malaysia believes that the spirit of dialogue, diplomacy and mutual understanding among ASEAN partners is the best path forward to resolve any form of dispute," Anwar said.
"I urge that all outstanding issues be brought to the negotiating table through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC)," he added.
Tensions flared after reports emerged that Cambodian authorities had accused Thai forces of preventing over 20 families from returning to a disputed border area, as highlighted in Cambodia’s official communication to the United Nations.
Thailand's military spokesperson, Winthai Suvaree, countered the claim, alleging that Cambodian residents had engaged in deliberate provocations and had unlawfully occupied Thai territory.
Malaysia has previously played a mediating role between the two nations, particularly in July when a ceasefire was brokered following border clashes that claimed 33 lives.
Fresh Clashes Erupt
On Tuesday, Commanders of the Thai armed forces have unanimously voted to indefinitely shutter Thailand's border with Cambodia until the neighbouring nation is no longer deemed a threat, as well as to erect fencing.
The Bangkok Post reported that the decision was made during the fifth meeting of the committee of armed forces chiefs held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Bangkok.
The meeting was attended by both serving and new commanders of the armed forces, who all voted uniformly to close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints indefinitely.
The chiefs agreed that all permanent checkpoints and trade crossings should remain shut down until a de-escalation of the situation between Thailand and Cambodia, which they deemed a threat to national security.
Separately, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Sabah state government and emergency services for their rapid response to the ongoing floods and landslides affecting the state.
“Thank you to the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor) and the state government for taking immediate action to assist the people and manage the disasters,” Anwar said during a site visit to the IPG Gaya Campus, which has been affected by a landslide on Friday.
He confirmed that the federal government had allocated an initial RM10 million to aid relief efforts and instructed the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and other federal agencies to work closely with state counterparts.
“Of course, we are aware that more will be needed once the immediate flood response is completed,” he said. “For now, the focus is on ensuring food and shelter for those displaced.”
Anwar also paid tribute to those working on the front lines at temporary relief centres (PPS), including emergency personnel and utility workers.
“During my visit to the PPS, I saw how ready they were to respond. The dedication of those restoring electricity and supporting the victims has been remarkable,” he said.
“I urge everyone to appreciate the efforts made by the Chief Minister, the state government, and all levels of the machinery involved in easing the burden of those affected.”
He added that the coordination between federal and state authorities would continue to ensure support is channelled effectively, whether under federal or state responsibility.
Anwar’s working visit to Sabah on Friday included inspections of landslide zones in Country Heights and IPG Kampus Gaya, as well as visits to relief centres at SK St Paul Kolopis and Kampung Sarapung in Penampang. - September 20, 2025
