Malaysia’s Role as ASEAN Chair in Thailand-Cambodia Reconciliation Earns International Recognition, Says PM Anwar
Larut, The Gulf Observer: Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair in facilitating reconciliation efforts between Thailand and Cambodia following recent border tensions has received international recognition, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Saturday.
Speaking at the opening of the Madani Dairy Entrepreneur Carnival at the Farm Fresh Perak Dairy Complex, Anwar emphasized that the trust placed in Malaysia by both nations reflected the country’s political stability and respected economic development.
“Thank God, in Malaysia our politics are stable and our economic development is respected. So, when disputes arise, the task of reconciliation is entrusted to us. This is a form of international recognition, even if some in Parliament may choose not to acknowledge it – and that is fine,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister’s comments followed earlier remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, who noted that Malaysia played a critical role in peace efforts between Thailand and Cambodia through the General Boundary Committee (GBC) meeting. He said Malaysia’s efforts demonstrated its leadership in bringing both sides to the table amid rising border tensions.
Also present at the carnival were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek.
Anwar further highlighted that Malaysia’s strong diplomatic ties continue to deliver economic benefits. Citing the Cambodia-Thailand dispute, he noted that while Thai milk could not enter Cambodia during the conflict, Farm Fresh milk successfully penetrated the market.
“Our relations with Thailand and Cambodia are good. If Farm Fresh wishes to open a farm in Thailand, we will extend our full cooperation,” he added.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that bolster national food security, including those in the dairy industry. He praised Farm Fresh Bhd for its contributions to the dairy sector, job creation, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Farm Fresh’s Chief Operations Director, Azmi Zainal, revealed that the company’s 828-acre Perak complex houses 4,300 dairy cows producing 22,000 litres of milk daily, making it the largest and most productive dairy farm in Malaysia.
“In a year, this complex produces 10 million litres of milk. The farm employs 150 local workers, most of whom are under 30 years old,” Azmi said.
He added that Farm Fresh also supports local small farmers by purchasing milk at competitive prices. Through its CSR programmes, the company awarded scholarships to 500 STPM students last year and plans to introduce a mathematics tuition programme for primary school students this year.
