PM Anwar says Malaysia only facilitates Thailand-Cambodia peace negotiations, imposes no conditions, and maintains neutral mediator role amid criticism
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s role in Thailand-Cambodia peace negotiations is strictly limited to coordination and facilitation without imposing conditions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that Malaysia never forced either side during the peace process, serving only as mediator to ensure constructive dialogue.
“We only coordinated. I still remember when I brought both prime ministers together, I told them – You decide the terms; I’m only here to help coordinate and promote peace,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in Dewan Rakyat.
He stated that Thailand and Cambodia entirely determined the parameters of their peace talks, not Malaysia.
“They set the parameters, not us. We didn’t impose any conditions for peace. Both countries reached their own agreement,” Anwar replied to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim regarding criticism of Malaysia’s mediation role.
The Prime Minister said criticism should be viewed within democratic practice context since differing opinions exist in every country.
“In Malaysia, we sign agreements, and some may still disagree. The same happens in Thailand. I negotiate with the prime minister and the government there. If a former Thai general, Rangsi Kitiyansap, raises objections, it’s okay, that’s his right,” he explained.
Anwar stressed that both Thailand and Cambodia remain confident in Malaysia’s neutral role despite criticism from certain quarters.
“Malaysia’s success sometimes breeds envy. Some people are uncomfortable seeing a small country like ours gaining global attention,” he noted.
Current tensions stem from a recent landmine explosion in an area allegedly involving Cambodian forces, prompting Thailand to delay certain agreement approvals pending clarification.
“The Thai Prime Minister never questioned our role. He only asked that Cambodia fully comply with the peace terms,” Anwar clarified.
The Prime Minister has directed the Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces to obtain a report and resume discussions to help resolve the issue.
Malaysia remains committed to ensuring regional peace because tensions would also affect the country, especially while holding ASEAN Chairmanship until year-end.
“I pray for peace. Wishing for conflict just to prove Malaysia’s prime minister has failed is a harmful attitude. If they fight, it affects us too. And as ASEAN chair, I remain in contact with both sides,” he said.
Cambodia and Thailand signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, witnessed by Anwar and United States President Donald Trump.
Both nations had earlier agreed to an unconditional ceasefire on July 28 following weeks of border tension and a trilateral meeting hosted by Anwar. – Bernama
