
Anwar and Trump's role in Thai-Cambodia ceasefire
US praises Anwar for mediating Thai-Cambodia ceasefire
'President of peace': Trump says he ended Thai-Cambodia row
FellowMalaysian: Asean countries do not appreciate the US meddling in their transboundary disputes or clashes between member countries.
It was Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who assisted and managed to defuse the situation after ceasefire talks that were held in Malaysia, as this year's Asean chair.
The ceasefire was agreed upon at midnight yesterday, and we hope Thailand and Cambodia abide by the terms they have reached.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement was just to show US President Donald Trump's big muscles. The presence of US officials in Kuala Lumpur during the mediation was seen more as observers, a gratuitous act that no one appreciates.
It would probably be seen as meddlesome by the Thais and the Cambodians. So, get out and stay out.
Anonymous_3f4b: Actually, it was Trump who forced both sides to the negotiating table, as he threatened to halt tariff negotiations with the two countries if they did not agree to a ceasefire.
Malaysia merely played host and facilitator due to logistical convenience and being the chair of Asean for this year.
Thailand and Cambodia had no choice but to agree to peace to continue their tariff engagements with the US, which Trump happily said would continue after congratulating them for the ceasefire settlement.
Trump further declared that he was the 'president of peace' for forging peace between Thailand and Cambodia. But there was no mention of Anwar by Trump.
Pink: So what was Anwar's role in this when he was at the mediation process? Why is Trump claiming credit?
This mediation process was supposed to project Anwar as a world leader, but Trump is stealing the limelight.
MalaysiaLiberty: If we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we might see that Trump deserves the most credit for helping to bring about the ceasefire.
Anwar did play a visible but lesser role in hosting the talks.
It is not as if the two warring countries' decision to stop fighting was due to Anwar's counsel, but rather because they want to be in Trump's good books to receive favourable deals on trade, the economy, and so on from the still-powerful US.
Koel: The US administration sounds desperate to claim credit for playing 'mediator'.
Makes you wonder. Did someone start this skirmish for this purpose?
Are they poring through the world map every day to find any skirmish to be packaged as 'war' so they can muscle in for some pretend action?
After all, the current White House resident is said to be desperate for a Nobel Prize.
So what better way than to wait for an opportunity for a border skirmish between comparatively tiny, faraway nations?
And then, this wannabe is all over the media, yapping away from Scotland about peace.
What a pathetic and incredible source of international mirth.
MarioT: While we are happy to note Anwar's successful mediation in the dispute, our home front needs tidying up too.
The crutches and extra assistance given to the major race must be reviewed for a more equitable distribution of wealth to all races.
This racist policy has resulted in unimaginable looting of our money by those entrusted to safeguard our interests.
Your reformation policies must include fairness to all.
The checks and balances must not tilt too far to one side at the expense of the other.
All citizens of this country deserve fair treatment.
WhiteLlama4337: Wah Anwar - successfully mediating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia.
Anwar - could you also mediate the dispute between farmers and Perak state authorities, especially in your own constituency of Tambun?
You know, the eviction of farmers from land they have farmed for decades, by claiming that it was actually state land all the while.
The farmers there are growing food that Malaysians need. How come this issue doesn't get your attention, huh?
TaaS: Nice circus. Anwar is there to take photos, make himself look good and take credit.
Typical of this chameleon. What did he really do to stop the skirmish? Malaysia knows all too well that Anwar can't even solve simple issues in his own backyard.
Sherlock: Good job, Anwar, proud of you. You have put Malaysia in a very favourable position on the world stage.
Now, Trump will revise the tariff lower, making it easier for Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz to negotiate. Good.
Growing Old Lonely: Charity starts at home. Please settle all the conflicts and inequalities in Malaysia first.
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The Star
23 minutes ago
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia border clash threatens 181 billion baht economic loss as ceasefire holds
BANGKOK: A fragile ceasefire between Thai and Cambodian forces has brought temporary relief to border tensions, but economists warn that prolonged conflict could cost both nations up to 181.7 billion baht over three months whilst displacing hundreds of thousands of workers. The five-day border skirmish from 24-28 July ended with a ceasefire agreement taking effect at midnight on 28 July, yet sporadic violations continue to undermine the truce. Cambodian forces have reportedly continued firing into Thai territory at multiple points, prompting Bangkok to lodge formal protests with Asean, the United States, and China as ceasefire witnesses. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed that the government is still assessing the economic fallout, with initial estimates suggesting the conflict has already cost Thailand approximately 10 billion baht during the brief escalation period. Economic vulnerability exposed The financial implications extend far beyond immediate military costs. Associate Professor Dr Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics expert, has modelled three potential scenarios following the ceasefire, warning of an 80% probability that fighting could resume. "The ceasefire agreement represents a Thai victory in initiating bilateral negotiations rather than relying solely on international court intervention," Dr Aat stated, though he cautioned that underlying territorial disputes remain unresolved. Should tensions persist for one month, both economies would suffer combined losses of 60.6 billion baht. A two-month conflict would double this figure to 121.1 billion baht, whilst a three-month standoff could reach 181.7 billion baht in total economic damage. Cross-border trade under threat The conflict's epicentre along key border crossings in Sa Kaeo and Trat provinces has paralysed vital trade arteries. Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch, chairman of the Restaurant Business Association, warned that a three-month disruption could eliminate 40-50 billion baht in border exports immediately. "If the crisis extends beyond six to ten months, export losses could reach hundreds of billions of baht," he cautioned. "Beyond one year, we risk permanently losing our export infrastructure as Cambodia seeks alternative suppliers from Laos, Vietnam, or China." The uncertainty has already triggered concerns about supply chain diversification, with Cambodian buyers potentially sourcing goods from competitors who can deliver via maritime routes. Tourism sector braces for impact Thailand's crucial tourism industry faces substantial headwinds, with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) projecting significant visitor shortfalls depending on conflict duration. Adith Chairattananon, ATTA's secretary-general, outlined three scenarios: if normalcy returns within one month, Thailand could still achieve its target of 34.5-35 million foreign visitors this year. However, a three-month disruption would reduce arrivals to 33-34 million, whilst a six-month crisis could severely impact next year's peak season, affecting European and American markets during the crucial winter period. Labour market disruptions The conflict threatens to displace over 250,000 Cambodian workers currently employed in Thailand's manufacturing sector, particularly in frozen food processing, poultry, and seafood industries. Whilst most workers have remained at their posts, prolonged tensions could trigger mass departures, exacerbating Thailand's existing labour shortages. Nationalist sentiment clouds trade relations Rungphech Chitanuvat from Informa Markets expressed concern that rising Cambodian nationalism could influence consumer purchasing decisions, potentially reducing demand for Thai consumer goods in Cambodia's retail market. "Thailand exports significant consumer products to Cambodia," Rungphech noted. "While long-term investment impacts may be limited due to the border location of conflicts, we're monitoring how nationalist sentiment might affect trade relationships." Path forward remains uncertain Thai-Cambodia Business Council chairman Voratat Tantimongkolsuk emphasised the urgent need for transparent border demarcation negotiations. The territorial dispute centres on conflicting map scales - Thailand uses 1:50,000 whilst Cambodia employs 1:200,000 - creating ambiguity over precise boundaries. While Cambodia pushes for International Court of Justice arbitration, Thailand favours bilateral negotiations. The private sector continues monitoring developments closely, hoping for swift normalisation and renewed dialogue addressing underlying territorial issues. The conflict underscores the economic interdependence between the neighbouring nations, with business leaders calling for comprehensive resolution mechanisms to prevent future disruptions to the substantial annual bilateral trade relationship. - The Nation/ANN


New Straits Times
23 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Dr M's sons must return wealth if source can't be proven
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the sons of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return their wealth to the government if it is proven to have been acquired through unclear or illegitimate means. In an interview with Indonesian journalist Najwa Shihab in Jakarta, Anwar said the extraordinary wealth amassed by Dr Mahathir's sons raised serious questions that must be addressed, especially considering the vast sums involved. Commenting on a recent opposition rally led by Pas which heavily criticised his leadership and accused him of corruption during his time in office, Anwar said he had left the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate. "I don't make baseless accusations against anyone. I've handed the matter over to the MACC. "But if they themselves admit — not as an accusation but as a declaration — that 'I (Mahathir) or my son own RM1.2 billion, and another one RM4 billion', then the money must be returned. "You must pay it back, unless you can clearly explain where the funds came from," he said. Previously, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir declared assets worth around RM1 billion, while Mirzan Mahathir declared RM246.2 million to the MACC. Anwar also questioned the opposition's position in defending such individuals, describing it as contradictory to their supposed role in combatting corruption. "Isn't it odd that the opposition is defending this? They ought to be at the forefront of the anti-corruption fight, yet they're shielding those accused of wrongdoing. "Why should the son of a prime minister or minister possess billions of ringgit in wealth? This culture must end. "I want real reform — not just on paper or in regulation, but reform in action." The interview was conducted during Anwar's two-day working visit to Indonesia, held in conjunction with the 13th Malaysia–Indonesia Annual Leaders' Consultation with President Prabowo Subianto.


Borneo Post
23 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Anwar receives 13MP document for tabling in Parliament tomorrow
Anwar says the handover marked the completion of the preparation phase for the country's five-year development plan for the 2026–2030 period. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 30): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officially received the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) document, which he is scheduled to table in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow. The Prime Minister said the handover marked the completion of the preparation phase for the country's five-year development plan for the 2026–2030 period. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the 13MP was drawn up as a comprehensive development plan with a focus on uplifting the people fairly and equitably, without sidelining any group. 'Its preparation involved extensive engagement sessions with a wide range of stakeholders across sectors, backgrounds and regions, including state governments, to ensure the voice of the people is truly reflected in the nation's future planning. 'InsyaAllah, I will be tabling the 13MP motion in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow,' he said in a Facebook post today. Anwar also said the Madani Government welcomes constructive debate and proposals from all Members of Parliament to further strengthen the policies and direction outlined. Earlier, Anwar received the 13MP document from Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya. – Bernama 13MP Anwar Ibrahim Dewan Rakyat document