NATIONAL FOREIGN POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

Do you know that Malaysia’s foreign relations with other countries began since the
Malacca Sultanate? At the time, the Malacca Sultanate had trade relations with countries
like India, Siam, China, Persia, Arabia, Japan and the countries around the Malay
Archipelago. This tradition continued until Malaya achieved her independence.

In this modern age, especially in the era of globalisation, a country cannot exist in
isolation. The current demands calls for countries to depend on one another for mutual
benefits, especially politically, economically and socially.

Hence, every country in today’s world needs to have relations with other countries to
achieve this objective. However, every country is free to determine its own foreign
policies based on cultural factors and credibility.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL FOREIGN POLICY AFTER

INDEPENDENCE

Malaysia’s foreign policy, which was formed since independence, has gone through four
stages between different leaders.

(a) Tunku Abdul Rahman (1957-1970), MalaysiaÊs foreign policy was Pro- Western and
anticommunist considering the nation had only just achieved independence and faced the
threat of communism.

(b) Tun Abdul Razak Hussein (1970-1976), MalaysiaÊs foreign policy emphasises
development and social integration by having diplomatic ties with all countries without
bias on political ideologies.

(c) Tun Hussein Onn (1976-1981), foreign policy emphasised on defence cooperation and
national security.

(d) Tun Mahathir Mohamad (1981-2003), the national foreign policy placed importance
on economic ties and maintaining previous policies. Issues of peace and international
social justice were also important agendas.

3. THE APPROACH OF MALAYSIA’S FOREIGN POLICY.

The two main approach were:

a) Bilateral involves relations with one country only; and

(b) Multilateral involves relations with several countries as a group, such as the UN,
Asean, OIC and so on.

4. WHY THE NEED FOR A FOREIGN POLICY?

Let us look at the following concerns:

a) Geostrategic Environment MalaysiaÊs location is very strategic, being at the maritime
crossroad between the Pacific and Indian Oceans that are the main passages for the Southeast
Asia region. Most trade between the Middle East and Far East passes through the Straits of
Malacca. This is why it is necessary for Malaysia to maintain friendly ties with foreign
countries to ensure the StraitsÊ waters are peaceful, safe and free from external pressures.

b) Political Structure of the Country MalaysiaÊs democratic political system always

maintains avenues to foster ties with other countries. Malaysia practises a democratic system
that supports freedom and prosperity of the people. Malaysia also practises freedom in having
ties with any country, specifically countries that offer benefits to the development of
Malaysia.

(c) Demographics Demographically, Malaysia comprises many races and ethnicities. Each
race is entitled to receive equal rights, as the Bumiputras. The many races of the country have
ties with their original homelands, like China and India. This further strengthens ties between
Malaysia and those countries.

Objectives of the National Foreign Policy Briefly, the objectives of the foreign policy, among
others, are to:

(a) Preserve, defend and develop MalaysiaÊs interests in the international arena;
b) Preserve and defend the independence, sovereignty and security of Malaysia;
(c) Defend the principles of mutual respect of independence and sovereignty of territories
through a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries;
d) To address political, economic, security and social developments and challenges in the
world stage;
e) To defend and advance the rights, interests and aspirations of Malaysia in all fields; and
(f) To foster and cultivate good relations and increase cooperation with other countries.