KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended the appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal adviser to Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, saying such appointments are based on regional experience rather than background checks.
Anwar said advisers are selected from individuals who have held senior leadership positions and have extensive knowledge of regional affairs, particularly issues linked to Myanmar.
“These individuals have long-standing experience in managing regional and international issues. They also offered their services and expertise on the basis of friendship among Asean member states,” he said in a written reply to Parliament, reported by the New Straits Times.
Anwar was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who asked whether the government conducted background checks before appointing anyone as an informal adviser and what the advisers’ role entailed.
Thaksin was appointed to the informal advisory group in December 2024 during Malaysia’s term as Asean chair. He was appointed after discussions among Asean leaders, and none raised any objections, Anwar noted.
Reports indicate that Thaksin has previously engaged in Myanmar-related matters in an informal capacity, including meetings with opposition groups, as part of Malaysia’s broader engagement on regional issues during its chairmanship.
In April 2025, Anwar met Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok. The meeting focused on humanitarian issues and regional stability in Myanmar, including assistance after the March 2025 earthquake.— November 26, 2025