KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Malaysia’s role in the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia is limited to coordination and facilitation, without imposing any conditions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that Malaysia has never forced either side during the peace process, but merely acted as a mediator to ensure constructive dialogue.
“We only coordinated. I still remember when I brought both Prime Ministers (of Thailand and Cambodia) together, I told them: You decide the terms; I am only here to help coordinate and promote peace,” Anwar said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He added that the parameters of the peace talks were entirely determined by Thailand and Cambodia, not by Malaysia.
“They set the parameters, not us. We did not impose any conditions for peace. Both countries reached their own agreement,” Anwar said.
He was responding to Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim's query on how Malaysia handled criticism from certain quarters regarding the peace negotiations.
The Prime Minister noted that criticism of Malaysia’s role in mediating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia should be viewed within the context of democratic practice, as 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 is okay; that is his right,” Anwar said.
Despite criticism from certain quarters, both Thailand and Cambodia remain confident in Malaysia’s neutral role in promoting regional peace.
“Malaysia’s success sometimes breeds envy. Some people are uncomfortable seeing a small country like ours gaining global attention,” he said.
Anwar said that current tensions stemmed from a recent landmine explosion in an area allegedly involving Cambodian forces, prompting Thailand to delay approval of certain agreements pending clarification, but without jeopardising the peace process.
“The Thai Prime Minister never questioned our role. He only asked that Cambodia fully comply with the peace terms,” he said.
For that purpose, Anwar has directed the Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces to obtain a report and resume discussions to help resolve the issue.
Malaysia remained committed to ensuring regional peace because tensions in the region would also affect the country, stressing that this responsibility would be borne as Malaysia still holds the Asean chairmanship until the end of this year.
“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.
On October 26, Cambodia and Thailand signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur, 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.
