DR M PLEDGES TO HELP END VIOLENCE IN THAI SOUTH
‘Peace talks a genuine effort by both countries’
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 had faced its fair share of problems related to terrorism and had received help from Thailand.
“We have a shared history of strong cooperation. Thailand has helped us in many ways before.
“We see this as an important display of cooperation. This (the peace talk) is not just a case of talking or drawing up treaties. It is a genuine effort between both countries.
“With both countries working to resolve the problem, we can reduce the problem if not eliminate it altogether.”
Dr Mahathir was speaking at a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, following a restricted meeting and bilateral meeting at the Government House here yesterday.
He is on a two-day official visit here.
Since 2004, the conflict in Thailand’s restive south has killed almost 7,000. However, violence and the number of deaths have been on a downward trend with 235 people killed last year compared with 309 in 2016.
Malaysia is playing a leading role in the peace talks between the Thai government and separatist movements in the south.
Thailand has appointed Malaysia as the facilitator for the peace talks. Malaysia has appointed former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor as the facilitator.
Dr Mahathir said Malaysia aimed to reduce red tape at its border crossings with Thailand, a move which he said could spur trade between both countries.
He said solving bureaucracy issues would boost trade between the two countries.
“There are four places where Thais and Malaysians cross over: two in Kelantan, one in Kedah and another in Perlis. Langkawi and Satun, Thailand, receive visitors from each other.
“This kind of cooperation will build up the wealth of both countries, as trade builds up wealth. We should facilitate trading, especially cross-border trading.”
He said Malaysia would ensure that the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint is open 24 hours to make it easier for Malaysians and Thais to cross over.
“There will be 24-hour open border crossings, both ways.”
Malaysia, he said, would build two bridges in Tak Bai in Pengkalan Kubor, and Sungai Golok in Rantau Panjang.
He said, as for problems such as dual nationalities, smuggling and human trafficking, more attention would need to be paid to the border-crossing areas.
Dr Mahathir and the Malaysian delegation later attended an official dinner hosted by Prayut and his wife, Naraporn Chan-o-cha, at the Government House.
Dr Mahathir arrived here at 11.30am and was given an official welcoming ceremony at the Government House, where he, accompanied by Prayut, inspected a guard of honour before their bilateral meeting.
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the prime minister’s wife, attended a hi-tea hosted by Naraporn at the Phitsanulok Residence, the official residence of the Thai prime minister.
Dr Mahathir’s official visit continues today, where he is scheduled to receive a courtesy call from Tan Sri Charoen Sir iv ad ha na bhakdi, the chairman of the TCC Group, one of Thailand’s leading conglomerates.
He is slated to have a courtesy call with his long-time friend, former Thai prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda at the latter’s residence. Prem is the president of the Thai Privy Council.
Prior to that, Dr Mahathir will meet the Malaysia-Thailand Chamber of Commerce and attend a luncheon with the Malaysian diaspora here.
In the evening, he is scheduled to deliver a lecture at Chulalongkorn University titled “Malaysia-Thailand Bilateral Relations in the context of Asean” before returning home.