Malaysia sole facilitator to peace process in southern Thailand

MALAYSIA is the sole country that became facilitator to the peace process in southern Thailand, said Foreign Deputy Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin.

He said it was asserted by Thailand Prime Minister General ( Rtd) Prayut Chan- o- cha himself during his official visit to Malaysia on Dec 1 last year.

“He also expressed his appreciation to Malaysia on its role as facilitator and the matter is well received by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) who stated that Malaysia will continue to be committed to help in capacity building programme for the people of southern Thailand,” he told the Dewan Rakyat here yesterday.

He was replying to Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar ( PAS-Tumpat) who wanted to know current measures being taken by the government to help solve the Pattani problem in southern Thailand.

Hence, Hamzah said Malaysia via the facilitator to the peace process had continued the process of consultation with the relevant parties in southern Thailand and government of Thailand towards the peace negotiation process.

Malaysia would also continue to assist in the capacity building programme for Muslims in southern Thailand in the field of education, vocational training and entrepreneurship, he said.

Hamzah said the leaders of both countries also agreed on the three important basis that would become the parametre to the peace negotiation.

These basis included the need to respect the laws and stop terrorist activities; the principle of inclusivity in which all the groups representing Muslims in southern Thailand are required to be involved in the peace process; and all the demands of the group should be combined to establish a clear and comprehensive claim to represent all parties. — Bernama