Malaysia Matters Podcast

Malaysia is assisting the Philippines in brokering a deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to create a semi-independent Muslim state to be carved out of Mindanao.

A truce between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was to be signed on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, but a temporary restraining order filed by Filipino Catholics concerned about details and ramifications of the deal was accepted by the Supreme Court who will determine the validity of claims on August 15. In conjunction with the diplomatic standstill, there were reports of a mortar attack outside the town of Midsayap in the disputed area, with blame being directed towards MILF.

The insurrection has lasted about thirty years and the government of the Philipines has negotiated with the MILF over the course of the last ten years.

The agreement on Tuesday will give the Moros autonomy over eight provinces, with its own banking, legal and education systems, a civil service and an internal security force.

The prime minister’s department says the deal will give the MILF the homeland it has waged a civil war to achieve since 1978.

Parties hope that with stability on Mindanao, the natural resources there may beckon foreign investors and provide a boost for the Philippine economy. 

The government promises that there will be proper constitutional process and plebiscite before areas are handed over to Moro authority as Christian Filipinos on Mindanao are very concerned about their future. 

Because of the real chance that inequity may cause a backlash, we hope that Malaysian influence helps inspire both parties to lay the foundation for a lasting peace.