Malaysia’s role in the peace negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia is limited to coordination and facilitation, with no conditions imposed, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar said Malaysia had 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 Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
He added that the parameters of the peace talks were entirely determined by Thailand and Cambodia.
“They set the parameters, not us. We didn’t impose any conditions for peace. Both countries reached their own agreement,” he said in reply to Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who asked how Malaysia had handled criticism from certain quarters regarding the peace negotiations.
Anwar said criticism of Malaysia’s role in mediating the peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia should be viewed in 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.
Anwar added that despite criticism from certain quarters, both Thailand and Cambodia remained 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.
He said the current tensions stemmed from a recent landmine explosion in an area allegedly involving Cambodian forces, which had prompted 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 he had directed the chief of defence forces to obtain a report and resume discussions to help resolve the issue.
Cambodia and Thailand signed the peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26, witnessed by Anwar and US president Donald Trump.
They earlier agreed to an unconditional ceasefire on July 28, following weeks of border tension and a trilateral meeting hosted by Anwar.
