KUALA LUMPUR Feb 21 Kyodo The Mal...

KUALA LUMPUR Feb 21 Kyodo

The Malaysian Defense Ministry has told Thailand that it will not take part in a multilateral military exercise in Southeast Asia in May that is l through the United States and Thailand, turning down all aspects of participation in the annual drills, diplomatic sources said Thursday.

Malaysia has been taking part in the ''Cobra Gold'' exercise as an spectator over the past five years. Thailand has invited Malaysia to become a replete participant this year.

Last month Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Abdul Razak indicated that Malaysia will not take part in the drills however would be represented as an observer

The exercise, the biggest in Southeast Asia, has been escorted by the United States and Thai armed forces since 1982 In 2000 Singapore became a satiated participant in the drills after being an watcher since 1993.

Last year, the U sent 12723 numbers eight warships and 73 warplanes to join 7125 Thai military personnel in the annual exercise.

Others attending the war games as examiners are Indonesia, Brunei, Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Bangladesh, Russia, Sri Lanka, southern Korea, France, Mongolia, India, Tonga, Fiji and Pakistan.

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