FEB 22 — There were welcome words from Prime Minister Najib Razak on Monday. In talks with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during her official visit to Kuala Lumpur, Mr Najib addressed the problems in Thailand’s deep South. In direct and uncompromising terms, he put the blame for the violence and murders where it belonged, with three vital points.
The Malaysian premier, in welcoming Ms Yingluck on a long-delayed “getting to know you” visit, offered to work in any helpful manner to end the southern violence. But he specifically rejected the troika of justifications that apologists for the southern gangs so often put up. First, he agreed with the Thai prime minister that the dispute in the South is first and foremost a domestic matter for Thailand to deal with. Then, because of that, Mr Najib stated that separatism is unacceptable. Finally, the people of the deep South themselves “must reject violence and extremism”.
Mr Najib’s statement was particularly noteworthy and welcome because Malaysian leaders have not always spoken that way. In the past, there have been very high political personalities in Malaysia who effectively blamed Thailand for the southern violence. They also privately encouraged the separatist demands voiced by some extremists in the South.
The apparent sympathy which some Malaysian officials showed for Thai bandits and separatists led to recriminations. In the past — although not for several years — Thai security officials have claimed that the southern extremists were financed by businesses in Malaysia. Resentment ruled on both sides, along the border and in both Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
For several years now, relations between Thailand and Malaysia have been on a far firmer course. Abdullah Badawi, who was prime minister when the current seven years of violence broke out, steered Malaysia away from all confrontation over the deep South. Mr Najib, who took over three years ago, has continued that good-neighbour policy.
Because Mr Najib stated his position on the deep South so firmly to Ms Yingluck, there could be a future role for Malaysia in the troubled region. That role is far from clear. Thailand already is burdened with the difficult role of convincing the people of the three southernmost provinces that their best hope for a peaceful, prosperous future lies within themselves and their role as Thai citizens. Separatists preach that the deep South should look to Malaysia. As Mr Najib himself said, that is unacceptable.
Nevertheless, Malaysia clearly has a role to play in helping Thailand deal with the violence in the South. For one thing, Mr Najib and his government can repeat their policy at international conferences if the issue comes up. Troublemakers continue to try to slander Thailand over the South, particularly in front of Muslim groups. For example, there have been persistent attempts to raise the issue at the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. As recent head of the OIC, Malaysia has the clout to ensure that the truth is told at such a gathering of the 56 Islamic nations. As Thailand’s close neighbour, Malaysia can continue to spread the facts of what is happening in the South. This is why the words of Mr Najib on Monday have special importance. — Bangkok Post
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
