Six separatist groups formed organization to hold peace dialogue

While there is no progress from the Thai side regarding the peace dialogue with the southern separatist groups, 

          Malaysia has managed to bring together six separatist groups to form an organization to hold peace dialogue with the Thai government.

          Called MARA Patani (Majlis Amanah Rakyat Patani), it is made up of BRN, BIPP, GMIP and three factions of PULO.  The BRN is led by Awang Yaba, a close aide of Hassan Taib, former chief of the BRN’s team in the dialogue with the previous Thai team led by Lt-Gen Paradorn Patthanathabut whereas a PULO faction is headed by Gustouri Mahgota who was barred from the previous dialogue.

          Hosted by Malaysia in its role as the facilitator of the peace dialogue, MARA held its first formal meeting in Malaysia following informal discussions in Indonesia.

           The six separatist groups agreed that MARA would officially represent them in future dialogues with the Thai side.  The groups also agreed that the formation of MARA must be done in writing.

          Malaysia has also set up a secretariat’s office for joint working group on peace dialoge.  The office is headed by Dato Zamzamin, the facilitator since the previous dialogue between the BRN and Lt-Gen Paradorn Patthanathabut.

          Before the unveiling of the setting up of MARA Patani, it was reported that secret talks were held between the Thai team and separatist groups.  Attempts were also made to approach the groups residing in Malaysia but without success as the groups did not trust the Thai side.

          A former BRN core leader was reported to have said that the Thai side was insincere as they rejected all the five demands earlier made by Hassan Taib.

          He said that the Thai side must hold dialogue with separatist groups at home instead of talking with groups residing in Malaysia. 

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Caption : Dato Sri Ahmad Zamzamin Hazim, former intelligence chief, the facilitator of the peace talk process.