Revised foreign policy: Malaysia to speak up more, though impact may be limited

Under the Pakatan Harapan administration, Malaysia's foreign policy will see Putrajaya adopt a more vocal stance on world issues.

However, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad admitted that the country will be limited in the actions it can take in response to problems.

At the launch of this revised foreign policy framework in Putrajaya today, the premier stressed the need for Malaysia to speak up on injustices in a world where multilateralism was under threat.

“We see powerful countries unilaterally imposing their will on others. Malaysia is extremely concerned over this development.

“We also see countries flagrantly violate international agreements and UN resolutions.

“The developments in Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir are some of the examples,” he said.

Submit, but under ‘open protest’

According to the premier, another issue involved trade sanctions being imposed “unilaterally”.

Not naming any countries, Mahathir remarked that the effects of these sanctions often extended beyond one nation.

“[...] There is no equity here. The rich and the powerful will take what they wish but the poor and weak will yield what they must.

“Malaysia will submit what it must but it will be under open protest,” he added.

Asked later to explain this posture, Mahathir cited Malaysia’s limited diplomatic clout.

“We realise that sometimes powerful countries take action unilaterally and there is nothing we can do about it.

“We will protest but whether (it is) effective or not, we do not know.

“(But) powerful countries are the biggest breakers of the law that they formulated,” he said during a question-and-answer session with the media.

When asked whether Malaysia will take a stand on the detention of China’s Uyghur people, as the US plans to do at the UN next week, the prime minister sidestepped the question.

“We will support on (sic) the need for people to rule a country in accordance to the laws that they have,” he said briefly.

The UN estimates that at least one million ethnic Uyghur Chinese and other Muslims have been detained in remote Xinjiang.

'Change in Continuity'

Dubbed “Change in Continuity”, this revised foreign policy framework outlines shifts in Putrajaya’s approach in engaging with the international community.

It aims to consult more stakeholders, including NGOs, when formulating foreign policy decisions. Wisma Putra has established the Consultative Council on Foreign Policy (CCFP) to achieve this goal.

It also states Malaysia’s aim to be a more proactive and prominent advocate for democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law.

“Whether in areas of international security or economy, the New Malaysia will be a strong and prominent champion of justice and fairness,” the framework reads.

The framework derives from Mahathir’s speech at the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York last year.

The fundamentals of Malaysia’s existing foreign policy remain, including a commitment to friendly bilateral relations with all countries; peaceful dispute resolutions; and non-intervention or non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

Mahathir was flanked by Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah and his deputy Marzuki Yahaya during today’s event.

Also present were Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof, and Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Xavier Jayakumar.

Foreign dignitaries, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas were seen as well.  - Mkini