The relevance of Tucker Carlson’s Putin interview to Malaysia

 

The awaited interview of Russian President Vladimir Putin by the commentator journalist Tucker Carlson was aired on X on Friday morning, Asian time.

In the build up to the interview, some European leaders threatened to block Carlson from travel through the EU.

Others awaited to see Putin’s perspectives on the Russo-Ukraine war, and other détente issues.

What the world witnessed was the typical Putin calmness in explaining the Russian perspective of the world.

As the interview progressed, viewers could see the Putin calmness overwhelm the usual Carlson excitement on screen.

History makes the present

Putin took a deep historical perspective in answering Carlson’s first question about the reasons for the war in the Ukraine.

Putin went into 1,200 years of Russian history to put context to the current war. In his 45-minute answer, Putin added cultural, clan and shared experiences into the tedious description of history.

This is something Malaysia can learn from. Malaysia’s history goes back to previous empires that existed within Nusantara, full of different cultures and ethnic groups, looking for a way to co-exist in peace and prosperity.

This is very much missing in Malaysian perspectives today, and has been ignored from any policy perspectives.

Putin explained the Russian and former Soviet Union approach to value different cultures, languages, religions and races, where universal outlooks were formed and shaped through this diversity.

The changing world

Carlson, after roaming the streets of Moscow for several days, asked Putin about his views of the future geopolitical order.

Putin pointed out the decline of G7’s influence in world trade and the rise of BRICS. He recognised China for what it really is – the largest economy in the world.

Putin suggested much of the decline of the west has been self-inflicted, being counterproductive to their espoused aims.

This is a confirmation of Malaysia’s long non-aligned approach to foreign policy. This is also a warning for Malaysia not to follow where the west has been heading towards of late, and stay on its traditional non-alignment.

Malaysia’s traditional non-alignment of the past had always kept the country in great stead.

Changing modes of trade

Putin talked about the decline of the US dollar and the rise of alternative means of trade. Hence, future opportunities, trade and investment may not necessarily come from traditional sources.

With Malaysia’s current foreign investment and trade situation, BRICS may be an important avenue to explore.

The war in Ukraine

Putin was given ample time by Carlson to explain Russia’s side of the conflict. Putin confirms the suggestion that much of current world tension is occurring because other parties are not willing to talk, discuss and come to the negotiating table, like they once used to.

There are lessons here for Malaysia in the South China Sea. Multilateral frameworks may be safer than acting as a single sovereign state when negotiating with the superpowers.

Humility doesn’t mean being soft

One could see a sense of humility within Putin’s demeanour during the interview. This is in contrast to the ruthlessness he is painted by what is written and broadcast about him.

However, what was absolutely clear is this persona doesn’t in any way point to softness.

Leadership and rule through humility, is another paradigm from leadership laced with arrogance Malaysians have seen over decades of leaders.

Humility doesn’t weaken steadfastness, proudness and any strong sense of direction. Such a style of leadership shows deep thinking behind the actions taken.

This is a leadership trait that the late Nik Aziz of Kelantan had when PAS had a sense of spirituality about it.

The danger of an artificial state

Finally, Putin talked about the dangers of an artificial state, which are constructed of peoples with different histories, cultures, and languages.

Malaysia, like Soviet Ukraine, was a construct, rather than a natural state.

‘Ukrainising’ the state brought about racial problems, which is part of the reason for what is happening today in Ukraine.

This is an issue very relevant to Malaysia today. Parts of Malaysia are separated by water and remote borders.

Malaysia must gain insights into case studies of artificial states around the world and construct a real nation-building programme to bind the nation together as one. - FMT

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