From Julia Roknifard

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim seems to have struck a positive chord with Russian president Vladimir Putin on his inaugural visit to Russia, paving the way for a paradigm shift in Malaysia-Russia ties and opening up new avenues for trade and cooperation.

In a bilateral meeting with Anwar as part of the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok, a visibly jovial Putin spoke of the Eurasian power’s desire to expand and strengthen its ties among Asean and especially Malaysia which is set to chair the 10-nation grouping in 2025.

While some may view this as mere political theatre, Putin seems to have been very respectful of Malaysia’s standing on a number of key issues, the most prominent of which is the situation in Gaza.

Unusually, Putin also went as far as to personally congratulate Anwar and Malaysia on its National Day, even several days after the event, with the obvious double meaning of Malaysia having 

liberated

 itself from western masters, both past and present.

Putin said: 

As you know, Russia pays considerable attention to developing its relations with Southeast Asia and Asean. Malaysia plays a prominent role in this association, and will be assuming the chairmanship of Asean next year. We sincerely hope that during your chairmanship, we will be able to explore new opportunities for cooperation with this rapidly growing and promising region.

Anwar for his part demonstrated a sincere desire for strengthened ties, going beyond the usual 

touch and go

 style of previous Malaysian leaders when dealing with Russia.

As Malaysia continues to expand its geo-economic space and diversify its strategic relationships, Russia will be a key partner that shares our vision for growth, prosperity, and development,

 he told Putin.

So what is the paradigm shift here?

Malaysia established ties with the then Soviet Union in 1967, during the height of the Cold War, and the Russian Federation as its successor following the breakup of the union in 1991. Over this time contacts were restricted mostly to cultural exchanges and minor economic activities. Even the purchase of Russian-built fighter aircraft in the 1990s and 2000s was only transactional.

Anwar is the first Malaysian leader to look to Russia on a political basis and not merely in trade terms. Having taken a strong stand on Palestine, Anwar has had to face criticism and even threats, necessitating a need to seek the backing of states like Russia, China and others who are not only military but economic powers as well.

This fact is not lost on the Russians, with media reports and officials in the country hailing the Malaysian prime minister as a 

former strongly Western-leaning leader

 who has come seeking friendship with a desire to solidify what had been until now a casual rather than strategic relationship. In fact, it is extraordinary to note that Putin has personally invited Anwar to the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan at the end of October, with Anwar confirming his attendance. This would have been unthinkable even two years ago.

The paradigm shift that has occurred seems to support the argument of the emergence of the multipolar world order and the fading of western hegemony that once dictated world affairs. Malaysia, along with many Global South countries, tended to toe the western line on international issues and even moderated their stand on key issues such as the plight of the Palestinian people.

The west lectures the world about the value of democracy and human rights, but itself acts against it, don’t you see the contradiction,

 Anwar said at the plenary session with Putin and Chinese vice-president Han Zheng when answering a question on the Middle East conflict.

The series of unfortunate events beginning with the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the Ukraine conflict and the crisis in the Middle East and Red Sea has exposed the systemic weaknesses of the west. From a once-mighty military and economic collective, its over-financialisation, de-industrialisation, failed military adventurism has demonstrated to the world that the west is in terminal decline.

Note that just days before Anwar’s visit to Russia, the US ambassador to Malaysia appeared to pour cold water on Malaysia’s stand over the plight of the Palestinians singling out efforts by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) for Malaysia: 

I do also question the fact that the practical impact of boycotts is quite limited and often more negative for Malaysians,

 he said, apparently oblivious to the sentiments of a majority of Malaysians.

The ambassador also brushed aside the apparent double standards of the US condemning Russia’s special military operation on Ukraine while providing arms to support Israel’s efforts in Gaza as well as its belligerent efforts against Hezbollah in Lebanon and even the provocative assassination of Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

What we observe is yet another attempt by the west, specifically the US, to impose its worldview on others while belittling the stand of Global South countries like Malaysia.

It is for these very same reasons that Anwar is seeking to widen Malaysia’s international engagements and is so pleased to be cordially received by Putin. It is exactly this approach to foreign policy by the US and its allies that has driven many formerly western leaning nations into the arms of BRICS and other alternative international organisations.

In practical terms, Malaysia can expect to leverage on Russia in a variety of sectors including agricultural and agro-industry products, such as wheat and fertilisers, of which it is the world’s biggest exporter, while expanding its own trade in semiconductors and precise industrial components such as ball bearings which are essential components used in a wide range of applications.

Both leaders noted that bilateral trade is modest and therefore has much room to grow but again the economic value of the relationship pales in comparison to the political and geopolitical gains both are seeking, namely Malaysia’s desire for support on the global stage and Russia’s ambitions in Southeast Asia.

While Western pressure may still be a concern, it is clear that an overbearing attitude is what has driven Malaysia into taking such a stand in the first place.

While the west may look on with disapproval, that is precisely all that it is able to do, and should it go further in trying to bend the will of a sovereign state, it will prove the point to others in the Global South that yearn for an order that respects their interests and wishes that an alternative is not only needed but is inevitable. - FMT

Julia Roknifard is an independent expert in international relations.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.