Malaysia Only Facilitates, Not Dictates, Thailand-Cambodia Peace Talks - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s role in the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia is limited to coordination and facilitation, without imposing any conditions, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar 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’m only here to help coordinate and promote peace,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) on Tuesday.

He said that the parameters of the peace talks were entirely determined by Thailand and Cambodia, not by Malaysia.

“They set the parameters, not us. We didn’t impose any conditions for peace. Both countries reached their own agreement,” he said.

Anwar said 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’s okay, that’s his right,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed that 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 explained 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,” Anwar said.

For that purpose, Anwar said that he has directed the Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces to obtain a report and resume discussions to help resolve the issue.

The Prime Minister said that 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 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 Oct 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.
-- BERNAMA