Malaysia brings Thailand and rebel group to the table

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia after brokering a peace deal between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in October has now brought Thailand and a rebel group to the discussion table.

Thailand and the rebel group Badan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) signed in Kuala Lumpur yesterday a General Consensus Document to Launch a Dialogue Process for Peace in the southern provinces, and agreed to invite Malaysia to be the facilitator.

National Security Council secretary-general Lt Gen Pharadorn Phatthanatabutr represented Thailand while the chief of the BRN liaison office in Malaysia, Hassan Taib, signed for the group.

National Security Council secretary Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab witnessed the signing.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia would appoint a senior government official to act as the facilitator.

The Prime Minister added: “A series of dialogues will begin in two weeks in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia will do everything possible to assist in the smooth functioning of the Joint Working Group so that productive discussions can take place in a harmonious atmosphere.