The agreement also saw Malaysia acknowledge its role in finding a solution. The Malaysian government played a key role in initiating the talks, despite a somewhat difficult start. The Thai government put significant pressure on Malaysia to bring the insurgents to the table, rejecting Malaysia’s initial proposals to commence dialogue with leaders without influence on the ground, primarily a PULO splinter group. Malaysian authorities ultimately convinced BRN-C leaders to begin discussions after taking them into custody. Malaysia was also motivated by the need to appease voters in Kelatan in the run-up to the elections.