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Author: Soliman M.
Santos, Jr.
This study concentrates on the process of Malaysia’s
involvement as third party facilitator in helping to
manage the contention between the Government of the Republic
of Philippines (GRP) and the MORO Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF). The author presents a clear view of the
factors strongly influencing the Bangsamoro problem and
insights into what lies behind Malaysia’s facilitating
mechanism, as well as the atmosphere of the peace talks
vis-a-vis both countries domestic and external considerations.
This paper is the result of intense research to try and
understand the effectiveness of Malaysia’s efforts
through different sources such as primary data, news
reports and empirical evidence obtained from both sides
of the conflicting parties, and the Malaysian viewpoint
from experts who were directly involved with the talks
as well as those closely monitoring the issue.
The author has assiduously obtained information from
official and unofficial (civil society) source, both
in Malaysia and Philippines, giving pertinent focus on
the nature of Malaysia’s role and the evolution
of the peace talks. This paper concludes with constructive
suggestions with the hope that the peace talks be brought
back on track again.
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