The Malaysian Insight

DEPUTY Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she was not happy with former inspector-general of police Abdul Rahim Noor’s appointment as chief mediator between the Thai government and Muslim rebels.

“I was not very pleased, but it’s part of the prime minister’s prerogative. He (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) did mention to me that he thought Rahim had experience in dealing with insurgency and terrorism activities,” she told the BFM radio station in an interview this morning.

Rahim, 75, replaces Ahmad Zamzamin Hashim as chief mediator in peace talks between the Thai government and Mara Patani, an umbrella body representing militant groups in southern Thailand.

The former top cop gained infamy when he was fined and jailed in 2001 for assaulting Dr Wan Azizah’s husband and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim when he was in police custody for sodomy and corruption charges in 1998.

Rahim’s appointment has been met with opposition by Anwar’s daughter and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Senator Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff and former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

“I explained to him (Dr Mahathir) that my daughter had reservations… It wasn’t that easy to accept. I think it’s important for the country if we can resolve the conflict. Whoever is chosen has to deliver,” said Dr Wan Azizah.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said Rahim was the best man for the job, having successfully negotiated a peace treaty to be signed with communists in southern Thailand in 1989.

“He knows the ins and outs of the developments in Thailand. I am confident the PM sees his capability, as well as his skills, and (this is why) the job was given to him.” – August 30, 2018.