Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim denied claims that Malaysia had interfered in the recent diplomatic tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, saying it merely facilitated dialogues for an amicable solution.
He said Malaysia's involvement was based purely on its position as a close and trusted neighbour, and at no point did Putrajaya dictate how Bangkok and Phnom Penh should resolve their issues, according to Bernama news agency.
"Let us clear the air. Firstly, as neighbours, we are naturally concerned. But we are not involved, nor do we give any specific prescription on how they should achieve a settlement," he told the Malaysian media.
Anwar was speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
Anwar, who is also the Chair of ASEAN 2025, said that Malaysia's role was limited to enabling key officials from both sides to communicate, including facilitating discussions between the Armed Forces chiefs and encouraging contact between their respective Foreign Ministers.
"I only spoke to both prime ministers to ask whether they could talk. They set their own parameters and decided on the issues,” he said.
United States President Donald Trump had also spoken to both parties during the process.
Anwar said that Malaysia's effort was guided by the long-standing trust both countries have in Malaysia as a friendly partner that could help open lines of communication when needed.
"We just try to engage with both sides because they consider us friends," he said.
It was therefore inaccurate for anyone in Thailand to portray Malaysia's role as interference, he said.
"I do not know what their internal or domestic political considerations are, but to suggest that we interfere is simply not right. No way do we interfere," he said.
He said both Thailand and Cambodia have the legitimacy, competence and sovereign right to resolve their own matters, and Malaysia fully respects that.
Nevertheless, Anwar said he believes that this topic would be a point of discussion during the visit of his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, to Malaysia.
