Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today that no immediate decision will be made regarding former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s role as his informal adviser on ASEAN matters, pending discussions with Thailand’s new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
Anwar said he and Anutin have already spoken and agreed to discuss the issue when Anutin visits Malaysia soon. “There is no need to make any immediate decision until he comes to discuss cooperation with Thailand and ASEAN,” Anwar told reporters after launching the 9th International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities. “Thaksin’s role will be limited because he is not able to provide input or cooperation.”
Thaksin was appointed last year by Anwar as an informal adviser on regional issues during Malaysia’s rotating ASEAN chairmanship. The Thai Supreme Court ruled on September 9 that Thaksin must return to prison to serve a one-year sentence, after determining that he and his doctors had intentionally prolonged his hospital stay with “unnecessary minor surgeries.”
Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship will conclude after the October summit, when it will be handed over to the Philippines.
On Israel’s recent attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar, Anwar said Malaysia is ready to engage with fellow Islamic nations. “The foreign minister, Mohamad Hasan, has already been in contact with his Qatari counterpart. If necessary, I will reach out to the Emir of Qatar, as well as other Muslim leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman, to consider whether a meeting is required,” he added.
