MALAYSIA will not pursue diplomatic action against any individual, including those from abroad, who express personal opinions on social media, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
He was responding to recent online statements by a foreign individual that had gone viral, stressing that such personal views do not reflect the position of the wider population or government of that person’s country.
“That is the voice of an individual whose party did not win a single seat in the election, so we should not be surprised. Sometimes there are frictions between parties there and the government, and they use this situation to criticise our Prime Minister because some are displeased with our country. Our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is in fact praised by many world leaders for his success chairing ASEAN,” he said.
Mohamad made the remarks following a meet-and-greet and luncheon with residents of Kampung Brunei as part of the PDM Brunei programme.
He added that the Prime Minister’s role as facilitator in the Thailand-Cambodia peace talks demonstrated Malaysia’s effective management of ASEAN affairs.
“We acted as facilitators so that Cambodia and Thailand could sit together to stop fighting or establish a ceasefire. The world witnessed Malaysia’s excellence in handling ASEAN. We not only helped mediate the Cambodia-Thailand conflict but also welcomed Timor Leste as the 11th ASEAN member,” he said.
Mohamad’s comments come in the wake of claims by former Royal Thai Armed Forces radio and television chief, General A Rangsi Kitiyansap, who suggested Malaysia played a hidden role in the peace negotiations. - November 8, 2025
Claims of Hidden Role In Thailand-Cambodia Peace Process Baseless
Meanwhile, Malaysia has firmly denied allegations that it acted as a “hidden hand” influencing the Thailand-Cambodia peace process, stressing that all actions were transparent and conducted with consensus among participating nations.
The claims were made by former Thai Major General Rangsi Kitiyansap, who suggested Malaysia and its Prime Minister directed the course of the negotiations behind the scenes.
Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, described the accusations as “disappointing” coming from a senior military officer and said they misrepresented the nature of regional defence cooperation and diplomacy.
“Such claims are not only unfounded and unfair but also highly disappointing, especially when made by a former senior military officer. They reflect a lack of understanding of ASEAN principles and the cooperative framework underpinning this peace process,” he said in a statement today.
Mohd Nizam explained that Malaysia facilitated initial negotiations in Putrajaya after both Thailand and Cambodia expressed willingness to ease tensions, culminating in a ceasefire that took effect on 28 July.
“Malaysian defence delegations were subsequently in Bangkok and Phnom Penh to coordinate the implementation of the agreement with the military leadership of both countries. Malaysia also coordinated the establishment of the ASEAN Observation Team and the Interim Enhanced Observation Team to monitor the border areas,” he said.
He stressed that the process was conducted openly and agreed upon by all participating nations, with official documents serving as transparent foundations for the peace process. “Malaysia does not seek praise or recognition. Our priority is restoring stability, protecting lives, and preserving regional solidarity. Military personnel and border communities deserve peace and security,” he said.
Mohd Nizam emphasised that peace requires patience, moral courage, and the ability to prioritise collective interests over personal or political ego. “Accusing others without evidence does not tarnish the accused but undermines the credibility of the accuser,” he added.
He noted that early implementation on the ground shows tangible progress, including weapons withdrawals, demilitarisation of hotspots, and communities beginning to return to normal life. Malaysia remains committed to an ASEAN-led approach, respect for national sovereignty, and transparent execution of all peace agreements.
“The Malaysian Armed Forces will continue to be a trusted partner in upholding these shared values,” he added - November 8, 2025
