‘Thailand peace deal will take time’

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the southern Thailand peace process will take time as it is a complex issue involving various parties.

He said it would be difficult to place a timeline on the peace talks due to the nature of the issue.

“Thailand had previously assisted Malaysia when we encountered problems with terrorism. And now, we have the opportunity to help Thailand resolve its problems in the south.

“We do not like violence as it affects the way of life of both Thais and Malaysians.

“We hope we can help Thailand resolve this issue,” he told Malaysian media on the final leg of his two-day official visit to the kingdom here.

Thailand has appointed Malaysia as the facilitator for the peace talks between the Thai government and separatist groups in the restive south, where decades-long violence has claimed more than 7,000 lives.

On Malaysia’s next step as the facilitator for the peace process, Dr Mahathir said it had appointed former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Rahim Noor as the new facilitator.

“He has experience in handling such negotiations to resolve the issue,” he said.

To a question on the separatists’ demand for autonomy, Dr Mahathir replied that the issue was complex as autonomy, in this case, had many definitions.

“In Indonesia, Jogjakarta has autonomy but the central government is still strong.

“The same applies to Aceh, even with Jakarta having agreed to autonomy.

“So, we don’t know yet as to what extent the demand for autonomy is in this case,” he said.

Dr Mahathir was also asked on the eventual transition of power, which would see PKR presidentelect Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim become prime minister.

He was asked to clarify his previous statement on Anwar taking over, in which he had said that Malaysia would have a new prime minister only if the people wanted it, and that “there is no guarantee” the next prime minister would be better than him.

Dr Mahathir reiterated that he would be stepping down as planned.

“As far as I’m concerned, I will step down. He (Anwar) will take over.

“What I meant was, if the people do not want us, can we still become the prime minister?”

Dr Mahathir was also asked to comment on the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Killing people, he said, was not a solution.

“But we don’t have any direct information on the case, only what we read in the news.

“We hope that in the Arab World, they can act as Muslims. No killing and such,” he said.