Malaysian Prime Minister Najib told a press conference after delegations from the two neighbours met here that there is a “need to find a long-term and durable peaceful solution in the south (of Thailand).”
“We both agree this is a domestic matter for Thailand and people in the south must not seek for a separate state. They must reject violence and extremism. They must be loyal Thai citizens and loyal to the King of Thailand.
“Malaysia stands (ready) to assist Thailand on request in whatever way possible so there will be a long-term peaceful solution in the south,” he said.
Yingluck said Thailand, which is Malaysia’s second-largest trade partner, “supports the policy of Global Movement of Moderates initiated by the prime minister as a means of fighting extremism.”
“Thailand firmly believes that moderation is the key to peace and development,” she said.
Najib said their hour-long discussion found that a workable solution for Thailand’s restive south must include greater participation in economic activities for the people there.
He called for “greater say for matters which are close to their hearts like education, religion and some of the cultural matters as well as seeking for more economic development opportunities in the south.”
The predominantly-Malay Pattani region saw escalating violence beginning in 2004 due to a separatist insurgency that Yingluck’s predecessor and elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, attempted to quell by assuming wide-ranging emergency powers in 2005.
But after a military coup ousted Thaksin in September 2006, the insurgency intensified, seeing a reported 1,200 people killed within the year.
The Thai government admitted in March last year violence was increasing and could not be solved in a few months.
Najib launched his Global Movement of Moderates last month, stating that embracing moderation and rejecting all forms of extremism is the only way for all countries to co-exist in peace.
The meeting today also saw both countries commit to strengthening bilateral mechanisms including a Joint Development Strategy for Border Areas.
The strategy includes the construction of two bridges spanning the Golok River dividing Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok along the Kelantan-Thai border, and the establishment of special economic zones in the area.
