The foreign ministry, in a statement today, said the enactment of the law on Thursday marked a significant history for the Philippines.

“Malaysia remains committed to playing a constructive role as the third party facilitator in the peace process in the southern Philippines for greater safety and stability in the Philippines and this region,” the statement said.

It said Malaysia would also continue to assist in the area of capacity building programme for the Bangsamoro people to prepare them towards the eventual establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity.

With the enactment of this law, it said Malaysia strongly believed that the southern Philippines would achieve long-lasting peace and looking forward for opportunities to work together to develop the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

“Malaysia wishes every success and prosperity to the people of the Republic of the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership,” it said.

According to media reports, Duterte on Thursday greenlighted the law that will grant more autonomy to the country’s predominantly Muslim region.