BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he is satisfied with the role played by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor in the peace talks to end the cycle of violence in southern Thailand.
He said the peace talks between Mara Patani, representing the many factions, and the Government of Thailand, were proceeding well but added that it will take time to solve the issues.
“Finding a solution to the southern Thailand problem is not easy because the conflict involves many factions. We have to seek the views of all the factions besides knowing their interests,” he told a press conference after receiving an honorary doctorate degree in social leadership, business and politics from Rangsit University here.
Dr Mahathir said he had only met Abdul Rahim only once or twice.
Abdul Rahim was appointed as the facilitator of the southern Thailand peace process on Aug 25, taking over from Datuk Seri Ahmad Zamzamin Hashim, but there has been some opposition to his appointment. — BERNAMA