Thai-Cambodia Issue - Malaysia's role only to facilitate talks, not interfere, says PM

JOHANNESBURG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended his role in brokering a recent ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia's border forces, insisting that Malaysia never “interfered” but simply facilitated a dialogue between two countries.

He added that Malaysia, as a neighbour, was “concerned” about the tensions between the two countries.

“We are not involved. Neither do we give specific prescription of the manner how they would achieve an amicable settlement or resolution to the conflict,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s intention was to support, not dictate.

Anwar was speaking to reporters during the exit press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa as he is set to begin the last leg of his tour of Africa in Nairobi, Kenya beginning today until tomorrow.

Anwar’s remarks come amid escalating public pressure in Thailand as nationalist protesters have gathered outside the Malaysian and U.S. embassies, accusing Malaysia and other foreign actors of “interfering” in Thailand’s sovereignty.

The diplomatic intervention follows a violent flare-up along the Thai–Cambodian border in mid-2025, described as the worst in over a decade.