FMT:
Thaksin’s expertise key to
tackling Asean challenges,
says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he and former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra share the belief the two countries can accomplish much more together.
Anwar said this in a Facebook post after meeting with Thaksin today to discuss economic revitalisation, technological advancements, bilateral ties as well as the ongoing Myanmar crisis.
Describing the meeting as “engaging and fruitful”, he expressed confidence in Thaksin, whom he named as his “personal adviser” on Asean affairs recently.
“Thaksin’s unparalleled network of relationships across the region, coupled with his unique expertise, promises to open invaluable opportunities for Malaysia and Asean to address these challenges with greater confidence and efficacy,” he said.
Anwar said the meeting also focussed on strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and Thailand, aligning with a shared vision for sustainable development and regional unity.
“For decades, Thaksin and I have shared the belief that Malaysia and Thailand could accomplish much more together, not only for our respective nations but for the region as a whole. We are committed to turning that vision into reality,” he said.
On Dec 17, Anwar announced that Thaksin would be part of his informal team of advisers, made up of leaders from various Asean nations.
However, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari questioned the appointment, citing concerns over Thaksin’s past corruption convictions.
Thaksin, who served as Thai prime minister between 2001 and 2006 before a coup ousted him, spent 15 years in self-imposed exile.
Upon returning to Thailand in August 2023, he was jailed for eight years on corruption and abuse of power charges. However, within days, his sentence was slashed to one year by Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn.
On Feb 18, the 74-year-old billionaire was released on parole after serving six months in detention.
Thaksin’s youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is the current Thai prime minister.
Malaysia will officially assume the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1. The country previously held the rotating chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
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kt comments:
During Tunku (AR)'s days, Thailand was M'sia's best matey. As a new nation in 1957, we learnt many things from Thailand, our diplomatic service, our royal etiquette (ceremonies), our parliamentary uniforms, etc.
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