Bait Al Amanah (House of Trust) published an op-ed titled 'Setting the story straight on Malaysia's foreign policy', authored by Fikry A. Rahman (Head of Foreign Affairs) and Karisma Putera Abd Rahman (Senior Analyst, Foreign Affairs).
The article addresses criticism that Malaysia's foreign policy under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has shifted away from the West and closer to China. The authors argue that Malaysia's approach is grounded in its long-standing principles of non-alignment, pragmatism, and independence.
Fikry and Karisma contend that Malaysia's decision to join the BRICS grouping, its stance on the South China Sea, and its position on the Palestine-Israel conflict are often misinterpreted due to binary and short-sighted views. Instead, they suggest that Malaysia is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape by maintaining partnerships with China, the West, and other nations, while prioritizing its economic and strategic interests.
The authors emphasize that Malaysia's foreign policy is not a zero-sum game, where the country must choose between aligning with one power or another. Rather, Malaysia is pursuing a holistic approach, leveraging its relationships with multiple partners, including China, the West, and other nations, to achieve its goals.
The article also highlights the importance of strategic communication in conveying Malaysia's foreign policy narrative, avoiding mixed signals, and promoting a clear message that reflects the country's principles and priorities.
By adopting a pragmatic and inclusive approach, Malaysia can navigate the complexities of the geopolitical landscape, safeguard its national interests, and maintain its position as a responsible and rational actor on the international stage.
The op-ed was published on Nikkei Asia.
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