Reaction Paper to Malaysia

With the use of videos, images, and the right amount of text on every slide, Group 3 was
able to make the presentation successful and impressive, which helped the group digest
information better. At the beginning of the presentation, the reporters played a brief introductory
video for Malaysia that the group found an effective strategy to kickstart a presentation. The
group was able to gain new knowledge and amazing facts regarding the Southeast Asian country.
Malaysia—previously known as British Malaya and eventually as the Federation of Malaya,
which is defined by its rich history, diverse culture, vast land holding, iconic landmarks,
beautiful beaches, secluded islands, clear tropical waters, amazing cuisine, and exotic wildlife. It
is located on the northern part of the Equator, between Singapore and Thailand, and has more
than thirty-two million people of varying religions and races.

To further highlight the integral information about the Southeast Asian country, group 3
discussed the important facts about Malaysia that everyone should know, such as Malaysia
owning a total landmass of 300,000 square kilometers, making them one of the larger countries
in the region in terms of size of landholding. The reporters also talked briefly about the country’s
flag, cuisine, diversity, and landmark during the introduction. The group agrees with the
reporters that Malaysia is indeed influenced by a variety of cultures. It is a melting pot of
cultures and a land of diversity that encompasses three primary races: the Malays, Chinese, and
Indians. However, the reporters could have also mentioned that Malaysia is one of the five
original countries that established the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on 8
August 1967 to further emphasize their role and importance in the ASEAN.

Moving on to the next part of the presentation, Malaysia and the ASEAN Community
Pillars, the reporters were able to discuss how Malaysia adheres to these three pillars and
mention important issues in connection with the three pillars. The reporters were able to discuss
the discord between the Philippines and Malaysia over Sabah or the North Borneo Dispute, and
how it has not taken much progress since it is still ongoing, refusing to go away. They were also
able to highlight how Malaysia enhances the integration and competitiveness of ASEAN by
adhering to their “Prosper they neighbor” policy through various ways, such as seeking foreign
investment. The reporters were also able to mention supportive government policies and the
country’s rapid economic growth by providing supporting evidence: Malaysia’s GDP growth, Per
capita income, and Unemployment rate. With that, the group agrees that Malaysia is a wealthy
country since they are just next to Singapore and Brunei in terms of GDP. Furthermore, the
reporters were also able to raise some weaknesses of Malaysia, specifically, their Income
Inequality and Poverty. During the discussion on the Socio-Cultural Community of Malaysia, the
reporters expounded on Malaysia’s diverse and vibrant culture by talking about the different
cultural practices, lifestyles, beliefs, and values present in the country.

As to how Malaysia is practicing the ASEAN Way, namely, the non-interference policy,
the reporters tackled the different issues in ASEAN countries that are related to the policy,
including the Myanmar coup d'état and Ronghiya Crisis. Despite the non-interference policy of
ASEAN, Malaysia is one of the countries that spoke and voiced out their concerns regarding the
decades-long policy of non-interference in the affairs of ASEAN members.
 Group 2 unquestionably provided information on how Malaysia adheres to the ASEAN
community pillars and ASEAN way. With group 2’s report, the audience gained numerous
knowledge and was able to enhance their understanding regarding Malaysia and the ASEAN. All
things considered, Malaysia is truly one of Southeast Asia’s gems. Its role in the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is extremely important and the country is one of the strongest
supporters of ASEAN since its inception.