WHILE Malaysia's foreign policy rarely dominates global headlines, its track record in peacebuilding and humanitarian aid reveals a consistent, if understated, commitment to supporting nations in distress. From facilitating peace talks in South-East Asia to coordinating aid for war-torn Gaza, Malaysia has quietly positioned itself as a regional stabiliser and humanitarian partner, as well as going beyond than just providing platforms to hold talks.
> Mindanao: Long-term peace facilitation
Malaysia's most sustained peacebuilding role has been in the southern Philippines, where it served as the official facilitator of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF (a splinter of Moro National Liberation Front which earlier signed a peace accord in 1996).
The process, which began in 2001, culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014.
Malaysia also led the International Monitoring Team (IMT), tasked with overseeing ceasefire compliance and supporting post-conflict rehabilitation. In recent years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process, citing historical ties and regional stability as key motivations.
> Southern Thailand: Facilitator of quiet dialogue
Since 2013, Malaysia has played a formal role in facilitating peace talks between the Thai government and insurgent groups in the southern border provinces. The Joint Working Group on Peace Dialogue Process, hosted in Kuala Lumpur, has served as a platform for confidential negotiations aimed at resolving decades-long unrest.
In June 2024, deputy chief of mission at the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok, Bong Yik Jui, confirmed that Malaysia remains committed to working with Thailand and all parties toward a "just and lasting solution for peace and stability". He emphasised that Malaysia does not support any separatist movements and highlighted the development of a Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace (JCPP), aimed at ending conflict by the end of 2024.
In February 2025, then Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra publicly acknowledged Malaysia's "crucial role" as facilitator during her official visit to Kuala Lumpur. Both governments reiterated their commitment to restoring stability and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue.
> Gaza: Humanitarian aid and regional coordination
Malaysia has been a vocal and active supporter of humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. In 2023 and 2024, Malaysian civil society groups launched and participated in initiatives such as Ops Ihsan and the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver aid and express solidarity with Palestinians. These missions, coordinated with NGOs like Mercy Malaysia and Aman Palestin, included food, medical supplies and symbolic maritime convoys.In January 2025, Anwar announced a collaboration with Japan to fast-track Gaza's reconstruction.
Malaysia subsequently co-chaired the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Cooperation among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD IV) with Japan. The conference focused on capacity building, education, health, and infrastructure support for Palestine, with Malaysia reaffirming its commitment through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
On Wednesday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed that a Malaysian Armed Forces battalion has been registered for peacekeeping duties in Gaza if selected by the United Nations.
> Timor-Leste: Technical support and Asean advocacy
Following Timor-Leste's independence in 2002, Malaysia provided technical assistance in civil service development, agriculture and education. In 2025, Malaysia reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste's Asean membership bid, offering training through the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) to help meet regional integration benchmarks.
> Sudan: Encouragement for peacebuilding role
Malaysia's engagement with Sudan has been more diplomatic than operational, but recent developments suggest a growing role. In 2024, Sudan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Hassan Abdelsalam Omer, urged the country to play a strategic part in Sudan's peace and rebuilding process, citing Malaysia's standing in the Muslim world and its experience in conflict mediation.
Malaysia has previously supported Sudan through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and helped introduce Sudan to Asean diplomatic circles. Observers have called for Malaysia to adopt a more proactive stance, especially in light of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.