KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has dismissed allegations by a retired senior Thai army general that Malaysia and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are a hidden hand or an “enemy within” in the Thailand-Cambodia peace process.
Chief of Defence Force Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said the accusations are not only unfounded and unfair, but 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, undermining the professionalism and mutual respect that had long guided military institutions in the region.
“The allegation distorts both the content and the intent of the KL Accord.
“The official documents underpinning this process are transparent and collectively endorsed by all participating governments.
“Any attempt to discredit Malaysia’s role, the leadership of our Prime Minister or the integrity of the Asean Observer Team (AOT) is malicious in intent. It undermines the core objective of the process, which is peace,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported.
It was reported that a video featuring retired Thai Major-Gen Rangsi Kitiyansap showed him accusing Anwar of being a “traitor who had caused Thailand economic losses” through the peace agreement and had allowed the United States to interfere in Thailand.
The Foreign Ministry, in response, said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s praise of Anwar over his role in the peace deal disproves Rangsi’s claim of the Malaysian leader being an “American spy”.
Jen Mohd Nizam said Malaysia’s only interest has been to restore stability, protect lives and uphold the principles of regional solidarity.
“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.
Jen Mohd Nizam said peace required patience, moral courage and the ability to look beyond personal or political pride.
“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 added.
Jen 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.”
