Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Tok Mat, PKR man defend Thaksin’s ‘informal’ Asean adviser role

FMT:


Tok Mat, PKR man defend

Thaksin’s ‘informal’ Asean

adviser role

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They say other prominent figures will be roped in as personal advisers to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as he leads the regional grouping next year.

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Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could foster greater cooperation between Asean and global powers. (EPA Images pic)

PETALING JAYA
Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan and a backbencher have defended Anwar Ibrahim’s move to appoint Thaksin Shinawatra as a personal adviser as the prime minister takes on the Asean chairmanship next year.

Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, said the former Thai prime minister could foster greater cooperation between Asean and global powers, Bernama reported.

“His role (as an adviser) is informal. Thaksin is influential in Thailand, is accepted by the US, and has a close relationship with China. This positions him as a bridge for Asean (to foster stronger ties).

“Thaksin and other prominent figures are long-time associates of Anwar who can offer their insights on how Asean can progress further,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that the appointment of other prominent figures in similar roles would be announced later.

Separately, Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah slammed PAS for criticising Thaksin’s appointment, reiterating that it was an informal position and strictly for Asean matters.

He added that Thaksin’s experience in administration and diplomatic relations would be beneficial as Asean seeks to resolve the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

“PAS is unable to see that the prime minister is forward-looking in his ambitions to utilise the experience of other Asean leaders to strengthen Asean’s role in the world,” the PKR man said in a statement.

Yesterday, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said Thaksin’s appointment raised numerous questions, not just about its political rationale, but also its logic and morality.

The Pasir Mas MP said Thaksin had been convicted of abuse of power and corruption before being pardoned, and questioned the Thai’s diplomatic and political abilities.

Fadhli also asked if Anwar was using Asean as a platform “to elevate his international profile”.

Thaksin was the Thai prime minister from 2001 to 2006, when he was ousted in a military coup. He lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years before returning to Thailand in August 2023.

Upon his return, he was jailed for eight years on charges of graft and abuse of power. His prison term was slashed to one year by the Thai king and he was released on parole after six months in detention.

1 comment:

  1. Aiyoh...it's a way to build stronger relationship with Thailand, especially with the current Thai PM..

    ReplyDelete