On Saturday (22 November), protesters gathered outside the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, urging Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to stop getting involved in Thailand’s border dispute with Cambodia.
Last month, the Thai and Cambodian Prime Ministers signed a declaration in Kuala Lumpur, with Anwar and United States (US) President Donald Trump present. One important part of the agreement was working together to remove landmines.
Anwar was criticised for “political interference”
The protesters were also planning to visit the US Embassy, as they believe Washington has unfairly tied trade talks to Thailand’s right to protect its territory, according to the Bangkok Post.
The rallies were organised by the United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty, or Ruam Palang Phaen Din Pok Pong Athipatai in Thai, with protesters demanding that he stop pressuring Thailand to negotiate with Cambodia over disputed border areas.
Also in attendance was protest leader Pichit Chaimongkol, who criticised Anwar for “political interference” and claimed that Malaysia and the United States were trying to unduly influence Thailand’s decisions.
Pichit chaimongkol
Anwar was accused of overstepping his role as ASEAN chair and interfering in Thailand’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty by ordering the country to halt border operations.
He added that while Thai soldiers risk their lives clearing landmines along the border, Cambodia has obstructed demining operations and failed to honour agreements.
Meanwhile, former senator Kaewsan Atibodh alleged that Malaysia has significant investments in Cambodian casinos and that Anwar was using the peace dialogue as a political tool despite corruption issues at home, urging ASEAN to ensure that Anwar “has no place in the regional bloc.”
Kaewsan atibodh
“Let us clear the air”
Anwar has broken his silence and addressed the issue, clarifying that Malaysia’s involvement was purely based on its role as a close and trusted neighbour, according to BERNAMA.
He further explained that he only spoke to both Prime Ministers to see if they could talk, and they set their own parameters and decided on the issues themselves.
“As neighbours, we are naturally concerned. But we are not involved in their decisions, nor do we prescribe how they should reach a settlement.
Anwar ibrahim
“Malaysia’s role for ASEAN 2025 was simply to help key officials from both sides communicate, including facilitating discussions between Armed Forces chiefs and encouraging contact between their respective Foreign Ministers,” he said.
He added that Malaysia’s efforts were guided by the long-standing trust both countries have in Putrajaya as a friendly partner that could help open lines of communication when needed.
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