![[UPDATED] Asean leaders agree to deploy defence attachés to monitor Thailand-Cambodia peace efforts](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FDATUK_SERI_ANWAR_IBRAHIM_050825n01-2_1754365748.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Asean leaders agree to deploy defence attachés to monitor Thailand-Cambodia peace efforts
Anwar said the consensus was reached after he contacted each Asean head of state to seek their mandate and support for the peace initiative.
"I spoke with all the prime ministers, presidents, and the Sultan of Brunei to seek their mandate and support.
"All of them agreed to send their defence attachés to monitor the situation.
"During the meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's defence attaché will coordinate the efforts alongside other Asean attachés," he told the Dewan Rakyat during Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) today.
He was responding to a question from Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS for Batang Sadong), who asked about Malaysia's role in facilitating peace talks and a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
Anwar said the current situation at the border remains under control and is being monitored via satellite, with coordination led by Malaysia's defence attaché in collaboration with Asean counterparts.
He said any further decisions, including whether to deploy a physical monitoring team or to establish a permanent Asean presence, would be determined at the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia, scheduled to conclude on Aug 7.
"So far, we have expressed Malaysia's willingness to deploy a monitoring team, and in my discussions with Asean leaders, all agreed to do so if requested by both countries.
"At the moment, the situation is under control and being monitored via satellite. Our defence attaché is on the ground, coordinating efforts with other attachés from Thailand. This shows our readiness to send a monitoring team.
"So, we will wait for the outcome of the Aug 7 meeting," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN for Larut) on Malaysia's readiness to send a monitoring team to the disputed border area.
Tensions between the two countries escalated on May 28, following a clash between troops in the Preah Vihear area, reigniting a long-standing dispute over their 817km shared border.
The fighting led to 15 deaths and displaced more than 100,000 people.
On July 28 On July 28, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, hosted a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
The meeting produced an encouraging outcome, as Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
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