Malaysia denies retired Thai general’s claims it interfered in Thailand-Cambodia peace process, reaffirming commitment to ASEAN-led solutions.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has strongly rejected allegations by a retired Thai military officer claiming Malaysian interference in the Thailand-Cambodia peace process.
Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar described the accusations by retired Major General Rangsi Kitiyansap as unfounded and profoundly disappointing.
He stated the remarks showed poor understanding of ASEAN centrality and disregarded the collaborative peace framework architecture.
“The allegation distorts both the content and the intent of the Kuala Lumpur Accord,” Mohd Nizam said in a statement.
He emphasized that official documents supporting the process are transparent and collectively endorsed by all participating governments.
Mohd Nizam characterized any attempt to discredit Malaysia’s role or the ASEAN Observer Team as malicious in intent.
“Malaysia has never sought recognition or credit, and its only interest has been to restore stability, protect lives and uphold regional solidarity principles,” he affirmed.
He highlighted that Malaysian peacekeepers have served with professionalism and neutrality from Mindanao to Timor-Leste to Lebanon.
The general noted that peace requires patience, moral courage and looking beyond personal or political pride.
Mohd Nizam described as deplorable when former uniformed personnel politicise processes aimed at preventing further loss of life.
He urged all officers, serving and retired, to uphold truth, fairness and professionalism principles.
The defence chief expressed confidence that the ASEAN Observer Team and both governments will fulfil Kuala Lumpur Accord commitments.
He pointed to visible progress through heavy weapons withdrawal, de-mining operations and border communities returning to normalcy.
“Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to ASEAN-led solutions, national sovereignty respect and transparent peace agreement implementation,” Mohd Nizam concluded. – Bernama
