Malaysia to consult with Asean on Thai-Cambodia summit

By SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will have to consult with its Asean colleagues to see if there was a chance of hosting a summit between Thailand and Cambodia over their border dispute.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said such a suggestion would not be well-received by either country at the moment however.

“I know there are some quarters in Cambodia who would not take too kindly to the efforts of a friendly nation to come in and help resolve the border dispute.

“In fact, such a summit would be desirable but matters to be tabled for discussion will have to be carefully considered,” he told reporters after meeting with heads of mission from the regions of America and Caribbean at the Marriott hotel here on Tuesday.

His remarks came before his trip to Bangkok Tuesday night, where he would bear a personal message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to his Thai counterpart Somchai Wongsawat suggesting Thailand and Cambodia de-escalate the strained relations between the two countries to avoid an armed conflict.

Cambodia and Thailand have been engaged in a border dispute, with reports suggesting that they are on the verge of war.

Malaysia’s visit would be the latest in a series of overtures from Asean members, most recently Indonesia, for both countries not to resort to armed conflict but sit down at the negotiating table.

“It is multi-effort on the part of Asean. It is my opinion that the unilateral attempts by the different Asean countries in asking for a peaceful resolution be given priority before we hold such a summit,” he said.

He said it was unlikely that violence to spread, particularly when Thailand would be the next host for Asean meetings.

“I’m also waiting for a signal from Cambodia to see if I can also go see Prime Minister Hun Sen with the same message,” he said.

Dr Rais said Asean members might have to come out with a required code of conduct for its members in the future as currently it had very little capability to deal with crises of such nature between members