MALAYSIA DENIES BASELESS ALLEGATIONS OVER THAILAND-CAMBODIA PEACE PROCESS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has dismissed the baseless allegations by retired Thai Maj Gen Rangsi Kitiyansap that Malaysia and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim were a hidden hand or an "enemy within'’ in the Thailand-Cambodia peace process. 

Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said such accusations are not only unfounded and unfair but profoundly disappointing, particularly when voiced by a former senior military officer.

He said the remarks reflected a poor understanding of ASEAN centrality and disregarded the collaborative architecture that underpins the peace framework, while also undermining the professionalism and mutual respect that had long guided military institutions in the region.

“Moreover, the allegation distorts both the content and the intent of the Kuala Lumpur Accord. The official documents underpinning this process are transparent and collectively endorsed by all participating governments. They outline clear commitments focused solely on peace, security, humanitarian cooperation, and regional stability.

“At this juncture, any attempt to discredit Malaysia’s role, the leadership of our Prime Minister or the integrity of the AOT (ASEAN Observer Team) is malicious in intent. It undermines the core objective of the process, which is peace,” he said in a statement today. 

Mohd Nizam said Malaysia has never sought recognition or credit, and its only interest has been to restore stability, protect lives and uphold the principles of regional solidarity.

He said soldiers on both sides of the border deserved the chance to lay down their arms, while families who had lived through months of fear deserved the safety to rebuild their lives, and that has always been and remains Malaysia’s objective. 

“The Malaysian Armed Forces have long upheld the principle that peace is best achieved through mutual understanding and cooperation.

“From Mindanao to Timor-Leste to Lebanon, our peacekeepers have served with professionalism, neutrality, and respect for sovereignty. The facilitation of peace between Thailand and Cambodia is part of this same tradition of service,” he said. 

Mohd Nizam said peace required patience, moral courage and the ability to look beyond personal or political pride, adding that the process had been guided by three messages, namely that peace is expensive, life is precious and time is essential.

“It is therefore deplorable when individuals who once wore the uniform choose to politicise a process aimed at preventing further loss of life. To call another leader a traitor or spy without evidence demeans not the accused, but the accuser. It disregards the tireless efforts of those who have worked quietly and selflessly to build peace and erodes the trust that is fundamental to regional security,” he said. 

He urged all officers, serving and retired, to uphold the principle of truth, fairness and professionalism, saying that the duty of a soldier does not end with retirement but continues through wisdom, restraint and example.

Mohd Nizam expressed confidence that the AOT, together with the governments of Thailand and Cambodia, will fulfil the commitments signed in Kuala Lumpur, with progress already visible on the ground through the withdrawal of heavy weapons, de-mining operations underway and border communities beginning to return to normalcy.

“These are the real markers of success, not the noise of unfounded accusation. Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to ASEAN-led solutions, the respect of national sovereignty and the transparent implementation of all peace agreements.

“The Malaysian Armed Forces will continue to serve as a reliable and trusted partner in advancing these shared values,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA