He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) regarding the list of heads of state and government, and international organisations attending the 47th ASEAN Summit as well as the key achievements of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

Anwar said Malaysia has successfully played the role of mediator to help resolve the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand.

“As I have mentioned before, the negotiations were not held just once but repeatedly, including meetings between the heads of the armed forces of both countries in Kuala Lumpur, followed by meetings of the foreign ministers and, more recently, the defence ministers of both nations,” he said.

In addition, as ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister stressed that Malaysia has played an important role in expanding and strengthening the ceasefire in Myanmar with the support of neighbouring countries, particularly Thailand.

“As a result, although some incidents of shootings, attacks and oppression against ethnic groups such as the Karen, Arakan and Rohingya still occur, they are gradually coming to an end.

“For the first time as well, we have been allowed to deliver humanitarian aid to Myanmar without restrictions,” he said.

Responding to Amirudin’s supplementary question on a new proposed framework for ASEAN to address the impacts of regional conflicts, Anwar said the principles of centrality and neutrality must continue to guide the regional bloc.

He said there must be constructive engagement and the preservation of consultative approaches in managing regional conflicts.

“That’s why, when the issue between Thailand and Cambodia arose, we immediately took the initiative to reach out to them, and they responded. We invited them to Kuala Lumpur, and eventually, an agreement was reached,” he said.

Anwar said ASEAN had previously not placed much emphasis on the issue of neutrality, tending instead to focus more on centrality.

The Prime Minister said that in the case of Myanmar, he used diplomatic channels by seeking permission and consent from ASEAN member countries to allow him to engage in discussions with Myanmar.

“Neutrality means not taking sides at all, but centrality means continuing to maintain relations and interactions, while still being able to make efforts. The non-interference principle does not mean we cannot engage or hold discussions.

“This was not done before, and if it was, it wasn’t done with ASEAN consensus. So when I emphasised such matters and subsequently reported to them, I saw that they offered their support.

“However, we are still bound by the Five-Point Consensus, which means we must uphold freedom, respect the rights of all in elections, and refrain from pursuing military agendas or attacks against countries or minority areas,” he said.

-- BERNAMA