BANGKOK: Malaysia believes that its bid to resolve the violence affecting southern Thailand is a sincere bid at peace by both countries and not just a case of drawing up treaties.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in underscoring the strong bond between the two countries, said Malaysia has faced its fair share of problems related to terrorism and had received help from Thailand to resolve them.
“We have a shared history of strong cooperation. Thailand has helped us in many ways before,” he said.
“We see this as an important display of cooperation. This (the peace talk process) is not just a case of talking or drawing up treaties. It is a genuine effort between both countries,” he said.
“I am sure that with both countries working to resolve the problem, we can reduce the problem if not eliminate it altogether,” he said.
Dr Mahathir was speaking at a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, following a restricted meeting as well as a bilateral meeting between both parties at the Government House on Wednesday.
Since 2004, the conflict in Thailand's restive south had claimed almost 7,000 lives. However, violence and the number of deaths have been on a downward trend with 235 people killed in 2017 compared to 309 in the previous year.
Malaysia is playing a leading role in the ongoing peace talks between the Thai government and separatist movements in the country’s south.
Thailand has appointed Malaysia as the facilitator for the peace talks. Malaysia has in turn appointed former Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor as the new facilitator for the talks.
