PUTRAJAYA: Any criticism of Malaysia's role as mediator to ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia shows pure ignorance, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"I am monitoring that very closely. They are not privy to many facts or information.
"Criticism (against Malaysia) is based on pure ignorance and prejudice," he said.
Anwar said accusations that Malaysia was not acting impartially was the perception of just one or two sceptics.
"I have consistently taken a very reserved and cautious approach, discussing it with both Thai Prime Minister Anutin (Charnvirakul) and (Cambodian) Prime Minister Hun Manet.
"Our Armed Forces Chief also contacted both parties, as did our foreign minister," he said during a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday (Dec 30).
Anwar said Malaysia's role is to help mediate a ceasefire and ensure cessation of hostilities between the two countries.
"The decision is entirely up to the Thais and Cambodians. We don't decide.
"Any decision (made) at border meetings coordinated by our foreign ministers are consistent with the KL Peace Accords and had full participation and agreement by both countries," he said.
At the same time, Anwar said Malaysia welcomed the ceasefire brokered following talks in China recently.
"The swift transition from cessation of hostilities to a structured follow-up discussion reflects determination to prevent relapse and to stabilise the situation," he said.
Anwar also said he was grateful for China's role, especially Foreign Minister Wang Yi's efforts to host talks for Thailand and Cambodia to meet.
"I want to also recognise the vital role played by United States President Donald Trump, whose engagement helped broker the KL Peace Accord that laid the groundwork for the cessation of hostilities.
"That contributed to creating a political space in which parties are able to step back from confrontation and commit to restraint," said Anwar.
On Monday (Dec 29), Anutin and Hun met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in the Yunnan province for two days of talks aimed at ending fierce clashes at the Thai-Cambodia border.
Over 100 people have been killed and more than half a million civilians displaced in both countries.
The talks were held after Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday (Dec 28).
On Dec 27, the outcome of the Third Special General Border Committee (GBC) meeting between Cambodia and Thailand resulted in a commitment to an immediate ceasefire and strict de-escalation measures.
