Anwar Bids Farewell as ASEAN Chair, Hails Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire and Civilian Return

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Dec. 31, 2025) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday hailed the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire in a farewell message marking the end of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, praising regional and international mediation efforts as calm holds along the Cambodian border and thousands of displaced civilians begin returning home.

In a video address posted on his Facebook page, Anwar congratulated both countries for consolidating their truce through direct talks in China, calling the shift from hostilities to structured negotiations a critical step toward durable peace.

“Malaysia welcomed the agreement by Cambodia and Thailand to consolidate their ceasefire through direct talks held in China,” Anwar said, adding that the process reflected “a determination to prevent relapse and to stabilize the situation on a more durable footing,” as outlined in the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords.

He thanked China for hosting the negotiations, singling out Foreign Minister Wang Yi for providing a constructive platform that enabled both sides to focus on confidence-building and risk-reduction measures.

Anwar also credited U.S. President Donald J. Trump for his role in brokering the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, saying Washington’s involvement created the political space for both parties to step back from confrontation and commit to restraint.

Cambodia and Thailand signed an immediate ceasefire Dec. 27 during the third special General Border Committee meeting, marking a turning point in a conflict that had displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed dozens of lives since early December.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, calm continues to prevail along border areas, allowing families to return. The ministry reported 16,343 displaced people have gone back to their villages, reducing the remaining displaced population to 595,545, including 310,844 women and 187,292 children.

Authorities confirmed no new civilian deaths or injuries during the reporting period. Since fighting erupted Dec. 7, 32 civilians have been killed and 95 injured, the ministry said.

The Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship Jan. 1 under the theme “Navigating Our Future Together,” as the region looks to consolidate peace and support recovery in affected border communities.