The Bangkok Post | May 21, 2009

A group of “peace ambassadors” made up of priests and representatives from the Buddhist, Christian and Muslim faiths, as well as peace advocates from Malaysia’s Kelantan state, recently met 4th Army chief Pichet Wisaijorn at the Sufficiency Economy learning centre in Pattani’s Yarang district. Accompanying the group was former Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, who talked to King-oua Laohong about security issues in the restive far South during his trip to Thailand.

Q: Can you tell us the purpose of your visit here with the peace ambassadors?

Anwar: I have to say my visit has nothing to do with the government and politics. I have come here with a feeling of brotherhood. We are neighbours and share borders. We should live peacefully and talk together in the face of problems.

It’s good to learn that the Thai government has appointed top-ranking military officers to work with people in the area. And the visit of representatives from the three religions reflects the hope that people will live peacefully together one day.

Q: You once said in an interview that Thailand and Malaysia should cooperate to solve border problems and in dealing with the Muslim community in the South. Can you share with us what your approach would be?

Anwar: There are several approaches which call for action from both sides. A solution does not rest entirely with soldiers or with a harsh crackdown. The government should emphasise improving the living conditions of the people. Islamic teachers would also be a help. Their duty is to teach students the true spirit of Islam, which has never supported terrorism.

Q: What do you think of the use of the sufficiency economy to promote peace?

Anwar: I support the method introduced by the 4th Army chief [the establishment of the learning centre]. It’s the right way to solve people’s poverty problems by teaching them how to earn a living.

The gathering of Buddhist, Christian and Islamic leaders also impresses on me that religions [religious differences] are not the problem and we can live peacefully together. This is a good start and deserves continued support.

Q: What is your idea of peace?

Anwar: Peace is what we strive to achieve.

To attain that, we first need to listen to the voice of the people. They seek acceptance, recognition and protection of language, religion, culture and traditions. Thailand is a democratic country and people are loyal to the monarchy. Violence should not be a way out of conflicts.

Q: What is your view on criminal suspects who commit wrongdoings here and then flee to Malaysia?

Anwar: To solve this problem, the two countries need to have a closer relationship to cope with the problem better. Criminals, regardless of their nationality, must be prosecuted. The two countries need to hold talks on the issue. We cannot protect wrongdoers. That’s why Thailand and Malaysia need to cooperate closely.

Q: What do you mean by “closely”?

Anwar: I mean we have to hold talks at every level – the government, the military, the religious leaders, or among the people. These talks should be more intensive. The Malaysian government should be enthusiastic in talking to Bangkok about the issue.

The [insurgency] problem here has tarnished the image of Southeast Asia. We need to take serious action to restore the good image of the region.