Malaysia denies interference in Thai-Cambodia border dispute, says only mediated at request

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov,29,2025) — Malaysia has never interfered in the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute and acted only as a mediator at the request of both countries, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Tuesday.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Mohamad rejected claims from critics in Bangkok that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had meddled in the dispute.

He said the protest in Bangkok was driven by an opposition party “gearing up for upcoming elections” and had no bearing on Malaysia’s foreign policy or its relations within ASEAN.

“Malaysia has never interfered. We only served as a facilitator because both countries requested a neutral venue and assistance to help them resume dialogue,” Mohamad said during Minister’s Question Time.

He stressed that Malaysia has consistently upheld ASEAN’s principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

“This is a bilateral issue between Thailand and Cambodia. We merely provided space and encouraged them to negotiate. That is all,” he said.

Mohamad said that during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July, both countries asked Malaysia to host informal discussions.

The two foreign ministers met at his temporary office at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where talks stretched until 3 a.m. before they agreed on ceasefire terms.

“I was a witness. They negotiated. We did not coordinate or dictate. We simply facilitated and offered views when asked,” he said.

He added that the Bangkok protest would not affect Malaysia’s image, describing it as a political maneuver in Thailand.

“Malaysia’s standing in ASEAN remains strong. We continue to support peaceful dialogue and good neighborliness in the region,” he said.