Malaysia — A Tale of Two Conflicts

Working Paper 2007/1

Rita Camilleri

Two intra-state conflicts involving Muslim minorities close to Malaysia's borders have been simmering for decades: the Moros rebellion in the Southern Philippines and Muslim unrest in Southern Thailand. Mindful of both external and domestic pressures, Malaysia has had to find ways of becoming actively involved without giving the impression of interfering in the affairs of either neighbour. This paper focuses on Malaysia's involvement in the Thai border conflict from 2004 when events threatened to destabilise the relationship between the two countries. The focus of this paper in the Philippines conflict begins in 2001 when fighting on both sides was intensifying. Here Malaysia played the part of mediator by hosting peace talks. This paper examines the nature and circumstances of Malaysia's involvement and the interplay between the various pressures that brought it about.

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