MALAYSIA will not consider sending peacekeeping forces to Yemen while the conflict remains ongoing, with any deployment dependent on a peace agreement between the warring parties and a decision by the United Nations (UN), Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
He said Malaysia would not make such a decision unilaterally, but would take into account the position and decision of the UN.
“When the countries involved in the conflict agree to peace, only then will we send peacekeepers or peacekeeping forces to ensure that the terms of the peace agreement are complied with by all parties,” he said.
Khaled said deploying peacekeeping forces while fighting was still underway would expose personnel to significant risks, including casualties.
“Under the current circumstances, the war is still ongoing. If peacekeepers enter while the war is still taking place, there will certainly be a risk of casualties and loss of life,” he said.
He said Yemen had a government with which Malaysia maintained diplomatic relations, while areas controlled by the Houthi group were involved in conflict with Saudi Arabia.
Khaled was speaking to reporters after attending the Kota Tinggi parliamentary constituency-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at Dewan Besar Felda Air Tawar 2 in Kota Tinggi today.
Malaysia has previously participated in UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon through the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT), with troop deployments subject to the relevant UN mandate and international arrangements.
Meanwhile, Khaled, who is also Umno vice-president, declined to comment further on reports that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had offered to resign.
He said he personally had no further information on the matter.
“I also do not know whether he wants to resign or has offered to resign. (But) ultimately, the decision on the matter still depends on the relevant party,” he said. - September 20, 2026
