Malaysia to appoint new South peace dialogue facilitator

Malaysia plans to appoint a new facilitator for peace talks between the Thai government and insurgent groups as it steps up security along its border with Thailand, according to the Malaysian defence minister.

Malaysian media quoted Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin as saying the armed forces are increasing surveillance at the borders to prevent insurgents from infiltrating Malaysia and spreading the violence here.

The move comes after a series of coordinated attacks in southern Thailand in the past few weeks.

“The government will never allow any parties resorting to violence and denying the peace process in southern Thailand to hide or seek refuge on Malaysian soil.

“And, we will give our full cooperation to Thai authorities to ensure that it does not happen,” Mohamed Khaled told reporters at the Defence Ministry today.

According to Malay Mail, the defence minister said Malaysia will also appoint facilitators for the peace talks between Thai authorities and insurgent groups since the country is familiar with the conflict and the stakeholders involved.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to appoint the facilitators soon.

“The prime minister has asked us for suggestions (for facilitator candidates) and we have provided them.

“This is because our long-time facilitator (and former National Security Council director-general) Datuk Rabin Mohd Basir’s contract has also expired,” Malay Mail quoted Mohamed Khaled as saying.