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MALAYSIA is prepared to send a monitoring team to the Thailand-Cambodia border if formally requested by both nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament on Tuesday.
Speaking during the Minister’s Question Time, Anwar said the situation along the border remains under control and is being closely observed via satellite technology and through coordination by Malaysia’s Defence Attaché with ASEAN partners.
“So far, we’ve made it clear that Malaysia is ready to deploy a monitoring team, and in my discussions with ASEAN leaders, all have agreed to such a move if requested by both countries,” Anwar said.
He added that any final decision, including whether a physical monitoring presence or a permanent ASEAN role is required, will be decided at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, which is set to conclude on 7 August.
“The situation is currently stable. Satellite monitoring is effective, and the Defence Attaché is present and working closely with his Thai counterparts.
“We’re demonstrating our readiness, but we will wait for the GBC’s decision,” he added, responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN–Larut) regarding Malaysia’s preparedness to assist in border monitoring following tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
Anwar (PH–Tambun) also revealed that top military officials from both Thailand and Cambodia are currently in Kuala Lumpur for discussions facilitated by the Malaysian government.
He praised the Malaysian Armed Forces Chief for coordinating the important talks, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to assisting the peace process between the two ASEAN neighbours.
Malaysia previously hosted a special meeting in Putrajaya on 28 July, chaired by Anwar in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, which led to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
“We are hopeful that some common ground, facilitated by Malaysia, can be agreed upon this 7 August,” Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat.
“Let us pray that a consensus and a final resolution can be achieved, as this situation not only affects bilateral ties but also ASEAN’s collective credibility,” he said.
Anwar commended both the Cambodian and Thai governments for their positive engagement in the peace process thus far.
“This issue must be resolved through consensus, and I would like to thank both governments for demonstrating strong willingness to reach a final settlement,” he added.
He was responding to a question from Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS–Batang Sadong), who sought clarification on Malaysia’s role in facilitating peace negotiations and ceasefire efforts between the two ASEAN nations.
Malaysia has been actively mediating the discussions, with Anwar previously chairing a special meeting in Putrajaya that resulted in an immediate, unconditional ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on 28 July.
In a separate matter raised during the same parliamentary session, Anwar also urged Opposition Members of Parliament to form a unified position before entering talks over government allocations.
“At the moment, there is no consensus. Some want to negotiate individually, others as a group. Some agree to talks, others don’t,” Anwar said.
“I suggest Arau (Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim) first hold discussions with fellow Perikatan Nasional MPs and reach a collective agreement. Once that is done, inform the Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof), who has been given the mandate.” - August 5, 2025
