MALAYSIA, as Chair of ASEAN, has called on both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise the utmost restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate mounting tensions following a deadly border clash between their armed forces.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the border dispute must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, in keeping with ASEAN solidarity and the principles of good neighbourliness.
“Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair, is deeply concerned over the clash between Thai and Cambodian forces at the disputed border area yesterday, which resulted in fatalities,” he said.
“We urge both parties to demonstrate the highest level of restraint and to act swiftly to ease tensions.”
Media reports stated that Thai and Cambodian troops exchanged fire in a contested border zone, with each side blaming the other for provoking the confrontation. Tensions have escalated since 28 May, following a fatal incident in the Preah Vihear region that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier.
Mohamad revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has personally reached out to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to open the door for peaceful dialogue and a diplomatic solution.
“Malaysia stands ready to offer its good offices as ASEAN Chair to help facilitate a harmonious and mutually acceptable resolution,” he added.
Govt Assures Sabah’s Involvement in Sulawesi Maritime Boundary Talks
On a separate matter, Mohamad reaffirmed that the Sabah state government would be directly involved in the ongoing maritime boundary negotiations between Malaysia and Indonesia concerning the Sulawesi Sea.
He said Sabah representatives are part of related meetings and technical discussions, and that the Federal Government values the state's views and position in all decisions concerning sovereignty and national interest.
“Discussions on maritime boundaries are conducted with care, based on legal and technical principles,” he said, in response to a question from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN–Pagoh), who sought assurance that national sovereignty, particularly Sabah’s interests, would be safeguarded in the negotiations.
Mohamad reiterated Malaysia’s stance that Blocks ND6 and ND7 in the Sulawesi Sea form part of Malaysia’s sovereign territory, as established by international law and the International Court of Justice’s ruling.
“The term ‘Ambalat’ is inaccurate and misleading. The correct reference, in line with Malaysia’s position, should be the Sulawesi Sea,” he clarified.
He also noted that the proposal for joint development in the Sulawesi Sea is still at a preliminary stage.
“The joint statement by the Prime Minister and the President of Indonesia on 27 June referred only to the early-stage consideration of potential cooperation. No concrete decisions have been made regarding methods or frameworks for joint development,” he said. - July 25, 2025
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