Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar stated that such accusations are not only unfounded and unfair but also profoundly disappointing, particularly when voiced by a former senior military officer. He emphasized that these 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 have long guided military institutions in the region.
Moreover, Gen Mohd Nizam highlighted that the allegations distort both the content and intent of the Kuala Lumpur Accord. The official documents underpinning this process are transparent and collectively endorsed by all participating governments, outlining clear commitments focused solely on peace, security, humanitarian cooperation, and regional stability.
He further asserted that any attempt to discredit Malaysia’s role, the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, or the integrity of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) is malicious in intent and undermines the core objective of the process, which is peace. Malaysia, he stated, has never sought recognition or credit, with its only interest being to restore stability, protect lives, and uphold the principles of regional solidarity.
Gen Mohd Nizam stressed that soldiers on both sides of the border deserve the chance to lay down their arms, while families who have lived through months of fear deserve the safety to rebuild their lives-this has always been Malaysia’s objective. The Malaysian Armed Forces have consistently upheld the principle that peace is best achieved through mutual understanding and cooperation, with peacekeepers having served in various regions including Mindanao, Timor-Leste, and Lebanon with professionalism, neutrality, and respect for sovereignty.
He noted that peace requires patience, moral courage, and the ability to look beyond personal or political pride. The process has been guided by three messages: peace is expensive, life is precious, and time is essential. He condemned the politicization of the peace process by individuals who once wore the uniform, as it demeans not the accused but the accuser and disregards the tireless efforts of those working to build peace.
Gen Mohd Nizam urged all officers, both serving and retired, to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and professionalism, emphasizing that the duty of a soldier extends beyond retirement through wisdom, restraint, and example. He expressed confidence that the AOT, along with the governments of Thailand and Cambodia, will fulfill the commitments signed in Kuala Lumpur, noting progress on the ground through the withdrawal of heavy weapons, de-mining operations, and the normalization of border communities.
He concluded by stating that these tangible markers of success stand in contrast to unfounded accusations. Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to ASEAN-led solutions, respect for national sovereignty, and the transparent implementation of peace agreements. The Malaysian Armed Forces will continue to serve as a reliable and trusted partner in advancing these shared values.