A FORMER PKR Senator has congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his role in mediating an unconditional ceasefire between two ASEAN regional neighbours - Thailand and Cambodia yesterday – proving that Kuala Lumpur can become a site for global dialogues.
Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff, who now chairs a foundation called RIGHTS, said that Anwar throughout the decades, had envisioned Malaysia as a preferred destination for global dialogues due to the country's own diversity, peace, comprehension and multi - religious tolerance.
"I would like to extend my congratulations to the prime minister and Malaysia as the current ASEAN chair for the successful mediation that has led to a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. Such deals are crucial in a world riddled with uncertainties."
Both ASEAN neighbours were engaged in a bloody border dispute where close to 50 people lost their lives, including military personnel while up to 100,000 were displaced.
This remarkable cessation achievement is a testament to Anwar's unwavering commitment to peace through dialogue, said Yusmadi.
"His statesmanship and moral authority have once again demonstrated that principled, inclusive, and dialogical leadership can resolve even the most entrenched regional tensions."
Yusmadi had also recently authored a book: “Anwar Ibrahim: Global Justice and Peace Through Dialogue”, in his personal observation of the Penang-born leader through the years.
For him, Anwar’s approach to diplomacy is rooted in values — justice, mutual respect, and civilizational understanding.
"His leadership embodies a model for Southeast Asia: one that uplifts ASEAN’s relevance not only as a geopolitical bloc, but as a community grounded in trust and shared responsibility."
Yusmadi believes that the nation's founding capital, can become ground to fester a movement for global dialogues.
He has mobilised RIGHTS members to promote the concept of dialogues, saying that Malaysians has inherited a deep understanding of world affairs, evident by the many countries one may find fellow Malaysians living in.
Recently for his book launch, Yusmadi had invited the Timor-Leste President José Manuel Ramos -Horta, a personal friend to Anwar, who was also a former Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Both Ramos and Yusmadi echoed the call for global dialogues as an alternative to bloodshed conflicts and genocide as humanity lives through the 21st century - a new millennium, yet inflicted by the mistakes of history. - July 29, 2025.