PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has appointed former Thailand premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his informal advisor on Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean next year.
Anwar said Thaksin's advice would be very useful to Malaysia, given his experience as a statesman.
"I have agreed to appoint (Thaksin) as my informal advisor on chairing Asean, with a team of members from Asean countries in an informal setup.
“Thank you for agreeing to this because we need the benefit of the experience of such statesmen,” Anwar told a press conference after welcoming Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Perdana Putra here on Monday (Dec 16).
According to Anwar, the appointment was proposed by Malaysia and agreed to by Thailand.
“We also proposed the setting up of an informal advisory group to the Asean chair that consists of former Asean leaders such as Thaksin to share expertise and contribute ideas on Asean issues,” he added.
At the press conference, Anwar said he regarded Paetongtarn as a great family friend.
“So, we are welcoming her to a second home in Malaysia. We are delighted to have her.
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“Although she has been in office for just four months, she has done remarkably well with the team and I’m extremely pleased because she takes Malaysia as an important friend,” he said.
Anwar also thanked Thailand for sharing Malaysia's position on the accession of Timor-Leste as a full member of Asean.
“They are working hard to make sure that some of the conditions imposed are met, before firming up the initial meeting with Asean, hopefully towards the end of May.
“so, thank you again, my dear Prime Minister Paetongtarn, for this visit and for this great time we have had. I look forward to collaborating with you and your colleagues in Thailand,” said Anwar.
Paetongtarn said she was honoured to be welcomed in Malaysia and many issues were discussed.
“On economic cooperation, we will focus on our efforts on trade and investments on border connectivities, digital economy and tourism,” she added.
Paetongtarn also said MOUs signed on Monday – on cooperation in the field of culture, arts and heritage, for the development of the rubber industry, and on economic cooperation – will be beneficial to both countries.
“I am certain this will help strengthen our economic and people-to-people relations respectively,” she added.
Paetongtarn also extended an invitation to Anwar to make an official visit to Thailand.
“I know that you've been to Thailand many times, but I would like to invite you for an official visit.
“Maybe after the official visit, we can have non-official visits.
“You are welcome to visit Thailand anytime you want. I will be your tour guide and arrange all the nice places to go,” she said.
Paetongtarn will return to Thailand on Monday evening after a two-day official visit here.
