UPDATES TO ADD BACKGROUND
By P Prem Kumar
KUALA LUMPUR (AA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has lauded the formal relaunch of a peace deal between the Philippines government and the country’s largest Moro rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with new talks between the parties kicking off in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur Saturday. Razak said in a statement Saturday that Malaysia is proud to host the first day of a two-day meeting under the leadership of new Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte to relaunch the Implementing Phase of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). “The peaceful resolution of a decades-long conflict that has cost the lives of tens of thousands is a historical achievement, and Malaysia has been proud to facilitate the negotiations that have contributed to delivering greater safety and stability in Mindanao, the Philippines and the region,” he said. Razak stated that Malaysia will remain committed to the process for as long as is desired to conclude the peace deal. “We respect the sovereignty of other countries and consider foreign interference in the domestic affairs of others to be wrong. However, when requested by the Government [the Philippines] of a friend and neighbour, we are happy to provide all possible assistance,” he underlined. Razak added that he appreciated the determination shown by President Duterte and his vision to set up the new peace roadmap, which would remain crucial throughout the process. “While certainly there are challenges ahead, I am confident that under President Duterte’s leadership, and with Malaysia steadfast in its role as an honest broker, a new era of development and prosperity in the southern Philippines can be achieved.” He underlined that peace and harmony will benefit not only Mindanao and the Bangsamoro people, but also the Philippines and the region. “We urge all parties to continue to pursue these goals,” he stressed.
On March 27, 2014, the government and the MILF signed the CAB after 17 years of negotiations.
The agreement would have been sealed by the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which was supposed to have paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The law, however, stalled in Congress earlier this year, as it adjourned for campaigning for the May 9 polls won by Duterte.
