Malaysia to help broker ending Thailand's insurgency if needed
Malaysia's prime minister said his country is ready to help broker talks with insurgent groups if needed in an attempt to resolve the long-running insurgency in Thailand's southern border region, said National Security Council's chief Lt Gen Paradorn Pa
Paradorn disclosed the result of the hour-long talks on Thursday between Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung.
He described as an amicable meeting and the two sides discussed the insurgency in Thailand’s deep south bordering Malaysia.
The Malaysia premier said his country is ready to support negotiations with the insurgents. He also made it clear that Malaysia disagreed with separatist movements and will never back those insurgents if they cross border into Malaysia, the NSC chief said.
Further talks will be held between the Thai and Malaysian prime ministers when they meet in early February when the Malaysian prime minister will visit Thailand.
Lt Gen Paradorn said security agencies of the two countries have been closely and continually cooperating on the matter. Malaysia stands ready to be a mediator upon Thailand’s request. It will apply the Muslim-predominant Mindanao-based peace solution that helped restore peace in the southern island of the Philippines.
The Malaysia leader also agreed to consider Thailand’s request about the legal employment of Thai workers. Thailand was asked to help facilitate the nationality verification process for persons holding dual nationality to ensure cross-border security, according to the senior Thai official.
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