Analysis Of Malasias Foreign Policies Since Independence Politics Essay

Analysis Of Malasias Foreign Policies Since Indep nullifyence Politics renderThe Ministry of Foreign Af sportings or Wisma Putra as it is commonly kn witness has been mandated to comply the nations strange indemnity in accordance with the Federal Constitution of Malaysia with the prey of defend and promoting the nations post at the world(prenominal) direct. Malaysias conflicting insurance insurance polity is premised on establishing close and amicable dealing with countries in the community of nations. It will treat to lever the internal af fairishs of former(a) nations and advocate a insurance constitution of non-interference recognizing the sovereignty of nations.Since Malaysias independence in 1957 till right away, the vision of our immaterial form _or_ system of government remains consistent that is to safeguard Malaysias national affaires as well as tolerate towards a just and equitable community of nations. This is acquired with uph anileing the coun trys sovereignty and promoting universal peace fostering friendly relations with contrasted countries and protecting Malaysias raises in the regional and external arna. In new(prenominal) words, Malaysia will stay on to consolidate its relations with opposite(a) countries and transnationalisticistic organisations, both at the regional and international level.In line with the objectives of promoting and protecting Malaysian national interest abroad, the Ministry has established a total of 105 missions in 83 countries and appoint 53 Honorary Consuls who provide support and assistance in promoting Malaysias interest abroad.Since the independence of Malaya in 1957, the nations hostile insurance policy has g mavin through s foreveral(prenominal) phases of significant transition with different emphases down the stairs five previous premiereships. The policy has been largely determined by the established national characteristics and succession of policy-making leadership as well as by the high-powered regional and international purlieu.Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia held a markedly anti- communistic and pro- occidental berth as the era axiom the country queered by the Communist insurgency. The orthogonal policy during Tunkus time had to take into consideration the bipolar creator struggle between opposing ideas of democracy and communism. Under the stewardship of Malaysias second premier Tun Abdul Razak, Malaysias unconnected policy began to shift towards non-alignment and internationalism with Malaysia joining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Non-Aligned deed (NAM).A rate of flow of consolidation ensued low Tun ibn Talal Hussein Onn with ASEAN becoming the cornerstone of Malaysias contrasted policy following the join of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975, the withd rudeal of the US military armorial bearing from southeastward Asia and the invasion of Kampuchea (now Cambodia) by Vietnam.Duri ng the premiership of Tun Dr. Mahathir in 1981, Malaysia began opening its doors to foster relations with to a greater extent nations and became a symbol of a rising develop country. Under Tun Mahathirs tenure, the nations foreign policy began adopting a much greater frugalalal orientation in the countrys external relations while championing the rights, interests and aspirations of create countries. This approach led to the protagonism of the South-South Cooperation, a much(prenominal) proactive voice mapping in the G-77, the establishment of the G-15 and saw the Look eastern insurance policy being instituted. This shift to the East greatly work ond Malaysias economical development. Malaysia became the voice of the developing area and was a office staff example for many developing countries as it give-up the ghost well known for its active stance at the UN and other(a) international conferences. Malaysias participation in peacekeeping missions under the UN is to a fault a evidence of the nations seriousness in can the will of the international community. Since 1960, Malaysia has committed troops to Republic of Congo, Bosnia Herzegovina, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Namibia, Western Sahara, Iraq, Timor Leste and Lebanon.The fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi continued to ensure that Malaysia was active in the international arena. During his tenure, Malaysia played an instrumental role in the formulation and espousal of the ASEAN Charter which has been ratified by either(prenominal) ASEAN fr military action states and subsequently entered into speciality on 15th celestial latitude 2008.During this close, Malaysia was overly active in expanding the counselling of OIC from being an organisation focused solely on governmental issues into one which focuses on the socio-economic development of Islamic countries. The Islam Hadhari theory which fights a form of civilisational Islam was withal introduced by Prime Minis ter Abdullah Badawi and was accepted and recognised by the OIC fellow ingredient states at the 3rd Special Summit of OIC at Makkah in December 2005.Under the leadership of Prime Minister YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia will continue to come across a forward-looking and pragmatic foreign policy whilst continuing to despatch trade, attract foreign investment as well as give Malaysia as a stable and nonaggressive country. Upon taking office in April 2009, the Prime Minister also stressed that Malaysias foreign policy under his administration would be shaped significantly by the 1Malaysia People First, effect Now concept. Among the key elements of the 1Malaysia concept is in realising the strength of Malaysia lies in its diversity. This concept bodes well with the main vision of Malaysias Foreign Policy that is to protect and elicit interests abroad and at the same time responsibly and effectively contri savee towards the building of a fair and just world. Dato Sri Najib cerebrates that the interconnectedness of nations in the world means that Malaysia would benefit in applying 1Malaysia in its efforts in discreetness and foreign relations. Synonymous with the 1Malaysia concept, Malaysia will continue to maintain close relations with all countries in the world and will continue to acidify with like nations in pursuing national interest.YAB PM also introduced the Government Transformation com nonpluser programme (GTP) that set Key Results Area (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the Ministry as a promise of commitment by the Government to the rakyat. In line with this, the Ministry has identified 14 Key Performance Indicators to measure the success of the Ministry.The KRAs of the Ministry are as followsa. Protection and promotion of Malaysias interests bilaterally, regionally and internationally through proactive diplomacyb. Realisation of an ASEAN Community by 2015 via the ASEAN Political Security Community Blueprint, ASEAN scotch Community Blueprint and ASEAN Social Cultural Blueprintc. Enhancing Malaysias standing in the international community particularly in the frame sprain of 1Malaysia in an ever changing geopolitical scenario andd. Provision of prompt and effective services topically and abroad.Malaysia has also maintained excellent relations with other countries, bilaterally and multilaterally through existing regional and international mechanisms of ASEAN, UN and other organisations which we are a member of.Malaysias foreign policy is structured upon a framework of bilateralism, regionalism and multilateralism where its outreach is likening to a pattern of concentric circles. ASEAN forms the core priority of Malaysias current foreign policy, in consideration of our neighbours as our closest allies. Looking further afield, as a country with a soused Muslim studyity, Malaysia also gives brilliance to the solidarity of the Ummah and the whole tone of cooperation among the Organisation of Islamic Co nference (OIC). Malaysias status as a developing nation beats it imperative for the country to engage actively in the Non-Aligned faecal matter (NAM), the Commonwealth, assort of Seventy Seven (G77), Developing Eight (D8), Asia Middle East duologue (AMED), Far East Asia Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), Indian sea Rim Association for regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) and Asia Pacific economical Cooperation (APEC). No less important is the countrys continued active participation in the Commonwealth, the United Nations and other international organisations.Through these organisations, Malaysia has sought to promote the South-South Cooperation among the developing countries and the Muslim world. Malaysia also advocates the Prosper thy neighbour policy to enhance economic relations and cooperation with its neighbouring countries through Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth trilat eral (IMTGT) and other entities.Malaysia will continue to play a significant role in the various multilateral issues that affect our interests. These issues include disarmament, counter terrorism, trafficking in persons, climate change and environmental issues. As a member of the UN, Malaysia is a firm believer of international peace and protective cover and an upholder of international law.Malaysias election as the President of United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2010 and the presidentmanship of the circuit board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were a further testimony of Malaysias positive international image.Malaysia will also continue to engage with like-minded nations, both in the region and beyond in ensuring its sovereignty and economic well being are preserved and protected. Malaysia will continue with the principles of appointee and cooperation rather than isolationism and unilateral action.Trade and investment opportuni ties will continue to be explored with our traditional craft partners and at the same time to develop strategic partnerships for trade and investment with countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other parts of Asia.In the decade leading(p) up to 2020, Malaysia would name to propagate with great changes in the globular environment whilst improving and upgrading the countrys home(prenominal) conditions. In recognising this challenge, it is vital that Malaysias foreign policy continues to focus on protecting national interests while responsibly and effectively contributing towards the building of a fair and just world.The fundamental principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect for territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes as well as mutual benefit in relations are the guiding principles that would continue to guide Malaysias relations with other countries. These principles choose stood the test of time. Indeed, our steadfast adherence to these principles, supported by a consistent foreign policy, has established for Malaysia a credible image in the look of the international community.OBJECTIVEImplementing foreign policy is a conglomerate and challenging task. With the energetic environment of world politics, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs inescapably to be constantly aware of changes and be able to effectively do to ensure that Malaysias sovereignty and national interests are adequately protected and Malaysias views and positions are duly articulated in the international arena.The Ministry will coordinate and work closely with relevant Ministries and Agencies to establish workable terms of reference in implementing Malaysias national interests and to coordinate marketing and branding strategies for Malaysia abroad.In the formulation of foreign policy, e very(prenominal) country has its own objective. In the case of Malaysia, it is as unreserved as the pursuit of Malaysias national interest at the international lev el.The Malaysian government will strive to ensure that Malaysia continues to play an active role in international relations for the benefit of the country. Principal stress in the pursuit of Malaysias foreign policy objectives includeMaintaining peaceful relations with all countries regardless of its ideology and political systemAdopting an independent, non-aligned, and principled stance in regional and international diplomatic affairsForging close relations and economic partnerships with all nations, particularly with ASEAN and other regional friendsPromoting peace and stability in the region through capacity building and conflict colony measuresPlaying an influential leadership role as Chair of the ASEAN, Non-aligned Movement (NAM) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) (As we did in the last few years) act actively and meaningfully in the United Nations, especially in the efforts to end injustice and oppression, and to uphold international law andProjecting Malaysia as a leading example of a tolerant and progressive Islamic nation. grammatical construction OF FOREIGN polity Malaysias foreign policy is basically an extension of Malaysias domestic policy. It is designed to defend and promote the countrys national, political, security, economic and other vital interests. It is pitch towards promoting a peaceful regional and international environment, which would give Malaysia space to achieve all its national objectives without disruption from external threats. Despite the diversity of views regarding the sensing and explanation of foreign policy, no foreign policy can be formulated in a vacuum. It must serve to function in a dynamic environment. Malaysias foreign policy is no exception. Various geographical, historical, hearty and political determinants contributed to shaping the nature of Malaysias foreign policy and the conduct of the countrys international relations. Our foreign policy seeks to promote mutual tolerance and cooperation amongst all countries that make up the fabric of international community. To this, Malaysia pursues an independent, principled and pragmatic foreign policy which rests on the values of peace, compassionateity, justice, and equality.Malaysias foreign policy is also premised on the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the affairs of other nations, peaceful settlement of disputes, peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit in relations.Due to globalisation and the grind away of powerful non-state actors, much(prenominal) as Multinational Corporations (MNCs), non-governmental organizations, and a variety of transnational groups, it is imperative for small nation states to cooperate even more closely. To this, Malaysia maintains friendly diplomatic, and trade relations with many countries throughout the world. As a trading nation, we advocate a multilateral rule-based global trading system which would promote and safeguard the i nterests of all countries, whether developed or developing, in a fair and equitable manner. In this respect, Malaysia has long advocated the economic principle of turn-thy-neighbor and not beggar-thy-neighbor. We believe that the global economic infrastructure should be that prosperity will cause prosperity.CRITERIA AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MALAYSIAS FOREIGN POLICYMalaysias foreign policy is guided by tether criteriaa) First, it must be a CREDIBLE policyExudes trust and effrontery from other nations. In this regard, it has to be based on certain internationally cherished principles. Serves the countrys best interest and remain a responsible member of the international community.b) Second, it must be an ENLIGHTENED policyTakes care of the interest of its citizens above all else. Brings international recognition and admiration for Malaysia and allows Malaysians to be not bad(predicate) citizens of the world.c) Third, it must be a CONSISTENT AND COHERENT policyMakes Malaysia an sat isfying and reliable partner in interstate affairs.Succeeds in making Malaysia the pet brand name in international relations.EVOLUTION OF MALAYSIAS FOREIGN POLICY Foreign policy is not static. Its formulation is essentially a dynamic process. Hence, over the years, our foreign policy has evolved, taking account of the change in leadership as well as developments in the ever-changing global political and economic landscapes. Moreover, the advent of globalization and the transformation of interstate relations brought about by new and rapid changes in information technologies necessarily means that our foreign policy has to be adjusted and fine tuned to obtain new challenges in a globalised world.The style and approaches in enunciating Malaysias foreign policy may differ in keeping with the personality of each chivalric and present heyday minister of Malaysia. A critical examination of Malaysias foreign policy since 1957 would show its steady maturation characterized by notable ch anges in emphasis, which took place with the change in Malaysias political stewardship. Brieflya) In the period 1957-1969, our country has just gained its independence. During this post independence period, under our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, our foreign policy was geared towards the survival of our newly independent nation. Our foreign policy then was markedly anti-Communist and pro-western in posture with close associate to the Commonwealth. We were also a strong opponent of apartheid. Our posture towards regional cooperation also began to take root with the birth of ASA (1960), MAPHILINDO (1963) and ASEAN (1967).b) In the period 1970 -1976, under Tun Abdul Razak, as a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), Malaysia began to identify itself as a Muslim nation. The search for new friends substantially increased the importance of NAM to Malaysia. We became markedly non-aligned and postured towards neutrality, peaceful co-existence and i ndependence. We also began to distance ourselves from major powers, put strong emphasis on regionalism and developed contacts and diplomatic relations with communist countries. Investments from other than British sources began to be also welcomed.c) A period of consolidation ensued under Tun Hussein Onn (1976-1981) with ASEAN becoming the cornerstone of Malaysias foreign policy following the collapse of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975, the withdrawal of the US military presence from Southeast Asia and the invasion of Kampuchea (now Cambodia) by Vietnam. The First ASEAN Summit was held and Malaysia signed the treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Bali in 1976. Further emphasis on independence, non-alignment and equidistance from the major powers was also made.d) A more dramatic shift in emphasis occurred when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad took over as the fourth Prime Minister in 1981. Malaysias foreign policy stance began to take a much greater economic orientation than ever before, coupled with a strong and nationalistic vindication of the rights, interests and aspirations of developing countries and the advocacy of south-south co-operation. Tun Dr. Mahathirs premiership saw the pursuit of numerous new initiatives such asAntarctica as the Common Heritage of Mankind.The Look East Policy (LEP).Championing of the cause of developing countries on major genial issues like environment, human rights and democracy.With the advent of globalization, Malaysians identified both the beneficial and adverse impact of globalization to the developing countries.Pro-active and passionate approach on Apartheid and Palestinian issues.Islamic union Chairmanship and hosting of the 10th OIC Summit, hosting of 1st Expo OIC, formation of D-8.International peace and security Malaysias membership in UNSC, peacekeeping role in a enactment of countries such as Cambodia, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Namibia and East Timor. Malaysia also actively championed against selectivity, double sta ndards and pre-emptive action outside the ambit of the UN.Terrorism Malaysia forged strong regional and international cooperation in combating terrorism, strongly advocated against profiling by religion or ethnicity, proposed miscellaneous approach in combating terrorism including identifying and eliminating the root causes, hosted OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting on Terrorism in 2002, established SEARCCT to primarily focus on genteelness and capacity building.Opening of New FrontiersActive bilateral engagements with African, Latin American and Eastern Europe countries, particularly in trade, investment and transfer applied science in the spirit of South-South Cooperation. Includes opening of Diplomatic Missions and extension of Malaysian technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) in these countries.Economic OrientationEast Asia Economic Cooperation (from EAEG to EAEC to ASEAN +3).Regional Development Cooperation Growth Triangle concept such as IMTGT, IMSGT, BIMP-EAGA.Group of 15 (G15) first advocated by Malaysia.Economic diplomacy reverse investments prosper thy neighbors, South-South cooperation, MIGHT, Langkawi International Dialogue (LID), South Africa International Dialogue (SAID).e) In the period 2003 and onwards, under the leadership of Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, foreign policy initiatives were further refined and fine- tuned to despatchPragmatic response in meeting the current geopolitical and economic challenges.More sophisticated articulation of Malaysias views.Substance as a dynamic extension to existing policies.Influential leadership role as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and ASEAN andMalaysia as a leading example of a tolerant and progressive Islamic Nation Islam HadhariThe evolution of the countrys foreign policy under successive prime ministers reflects a pragmatic response to the geopolitical and economic changes of their times. To be continually relevant to the countrys needs, fore ign policy cannot remain static.But whilst changes in emphasis have stupefy a general feature of Malaysian foreign policy, continuity has also been evident. Both the change and continuity mark a higher level of confidence and maturing of the country in the conduct of its international affairs. Indeed, in many ways Malaysias leadership role has been recognized on several issues of ambiguous interest to the developing world. As a trading nation, we are very much dependent on a peaceful international environment for our well being. Naturally, our foreign policy has to be oriented to allow for a greater focus on economic diplomacy. In the past, when we were producing mainly raw materials for the world, Malaysia had to compete with only a handful of countries.But now, when we have become an industrialized trading nation, we have no choice but to work harder, to compete interrupt and to find new markets for our goods and services. We must find better ways to do business with the outsid e world. We need to find niches in which we have a competitive edge. Towards this end, Malaysia has implemented a number of policies that have a strong foreign policy component that will contribute to the creation of a strong, dynamic and resilient economy. These policies include amongst othersLookEastPolicyReverseInvestment-ProsperThyNeighbourMalaysiaIncorporatedSouth-SouthCooperationMalaysianTechnicalCooperationProgramme(MTCP) Langkawi International DialogueCONLUSIONOne significant phenomenon that will impact strongly on Malaysias foreign policy as we move forward is globalization. Our greatest challenge would be to extract the best from the process of globalization and to give our best to the system. And in return to contribute towards making the world a much more peaceful and equitable place to live in, to provide leadership inside our region and to demonstrate exemplary and responsible membership of the international community.On the political front, we see the end of the cold war. Yet the world today is no safer than we had been led to believe. The so-called friendly global village has not come about. Old conflicts either refuse to die or plain have a way of coming out of their graves to stalk us. In the meantime, new conflicts, at times much bloodier and brutal than the old ones, continue to emerge and rage or remain unresolved. Added to this, two other issues of great concern also remain, namely terrorism which continue to threatenTerrorism which continue to threaten the lives and property of innocent victims andThe proliferation of weapons of mass expiry which brings fourth the prospect of nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare.It is important therefore, that our foreign policy be geared towards ensuring that more and more nations sign and ratify the relevant international conventions such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive seek Ban Treaty (CTBT), Biological Weapons practice (BWC), Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC ), and the Convention on Land Mines (CLM).The economic dimension of globalization has been even more disappointing. The fiscal crisis that descended upon East Asia in 1997 brought about not only social misery and economic disaster but political instability as well. Massive Unemployment, negative growth, stock market crashes and severe currency devaluation have pulled down millions of people below the poverty lines. And now, we are anxiously honoring the effects of the possible economic meltdown following the global pecuniary crisis.The severity of the situation calls for the whole business of economic globalization and financial and trade liberalization to be seriously addressed. This is another biggest foreign policy challenge for Malaysia. Malaysia will continue to press for the reforming the international financial architecture that is so prone to speculative manipulations and frequently excessive fluctuation.Malaysias activism at the international front has of course attracte d attention and reaction from various quarters. Until recently, Malaysia had been the target for condemnation for being too vocal. But this is something that we need to take in our own stride if Malaysia is to be proactive at the global level.Our foreign policy principles have stood the test of time. Indeed, our steadfast adherence to these principles, supported by a consistent foreign policy, has established for Malaysia certain credibility in the eyes of the international community.Malaysias initiatives at various regional and international fora have put the country on the world map.Increased economic prosperity and political stability has in fact enabled Malaysia to carve its own niche in the international scene.Making its presence felt has allowed Malaysia to exercise some influence in setting the international agenda.Being less dependent on foreign aid and assistance, Malaysia has been able to speak up on issues that other developing countries feel constrained to voice for fea r of retribution by the major, particularly western, powers.The years ahead therefore would see our foreign policy specially oriented towards not only ensuring Malaysias domestic success but also internationally, as a geopolitical and economic player at the global level.