MALAYSIA AS THE GLOBAL PEACEKEEPING ACTOR
Diplomatic relations play a vital role in shaping a nation's international standing and fostering global cooperation. Malaysia, a Southeast Asian nation known for its cultural diversity and economic growth, has made significant achievements in its diplomatic relations. There are some negative perceptions about Malaysia's stance in global affairs due to being a non-alignment and neutral country. Although Malaysia may not be considered as a global superpower like the United States or China, it does maintain a distinct and active role in international affairs. This approach helps Malaysia to safeguard its own interests while avoiding entanglement in power struggles. Malaysia’s active and dynamic foreign affairs office has demonstrated commendable achievements in effectively managing major incidents and crises. Through swift responses, diplomatic negotiations, and constructive dialogue, Malaysia has successfully promoted regional stability, safeguarding the citizens during conflicts and upheld international obligations.
Malaysia has been instrumental in promoting regional stability through active participation in various diplomatic platforms. As a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia has played a crucial role in advancing peace, stability, and security in the region. The successful establishment of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1994, with Malaysia as one of the initiators, highlights the nation's commitment to fostering dialogue and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. Malaysia’s foreign affairs office actively engages with relevant international organizations, neighbouring countries, and diplomatic counterparts to address crises, facilitate negotiations, and find peaceful resolutions. These can be seen in Malaysia's involvement in brokering peace talks during regional conflicts, such as the facilitation of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in southern Philippines. All of these brave efforts by the foreign affairs office exemplifies the nation's commitment in promoting stability and excelled in crisis diplomacy and international engagement during major incidents.
Malaysia's foreign affairs office has demonstrated excellent crisis management capabilities, particularly in safeguarding its citizens during times of distress. The office has implemented robust protocols and coordinated efforts to ensure the safe evacuation and repatriation of Malaysians affected by natural disasters, political unrest, or armed conflicts. Notable instances include the evacuation of Malaysian nationals from conflict zones around the world, such as Yemen, Libya and recently, Sudan. An armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of Sudan broke out in main cities like Khartoum and the Darfur region which killed at least 1,000 people forced the Malaysian government to act as quickly as possible to evacuate all the Malaysian. The 30 Malaysians faced a harrowing trip to escape the conflict-torn Sudan through approximately 1300 km drive to exit Sudan before finally reached home safely in Malaysia on April 28, 2023. The successful execution of these operations underscores Malaysia's commitment to the well-being and protection of its citizens abroad in challenging situations.
Malaysia's achievements in diplomatic relations are a testament to the nation's commitment to regional stability, economic cooperation, and global harmony. Through active engagement, strategic partnerships, and multilateral cooperation, Malaysia has effectively contributed to regional and global affairs. The country's involvement in ASEAN, its role in promoting regional stability, and its economic cooperation efforts highlight Malaysia's proactive approach to diplomacy. Malaysia's commitment to crisis diplomacy, exemplified by its involvement in peace negotiations and regional security forums have safeguarded the interests of Malaysians abroad and protected their well-being. These achievements have bolstered Malaysia's international standing, fostered strong bilateral and multilateral relations, and contributed to the nation's overall development.
REFERENCES:
Chanintira na Thalang (2017). Malaysia’s role in two South-East Asian insurgencies: ‘an honest broker’?. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10357718.2016.1269147
Dr Chanintira na Thalang ( 2017, April 18 ). Malaysia: Southeast Asian Peacemaker?. Retrieved from Australian Institute of International Affairs : https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/malaysia-peacemaker/
Jewel Stolarchuk ( 2023, April 28 ). Malaysia helps evacuate 14 Singaporeans safely from Sudan as armed conflict rages on. Retrieved from The Independent News & Media Singapore : https://theindependent.sg/malaysia-helps-evacuate-14-singaporeans-safely-from-sudan-as-armed-conflict-rages-on/
Justin Zack. ( 2023, April 28 ). Malaysian evacuees faced gruelling 1,300km drive to exit Sudan, says envoy. Retrieved from The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/28/malaysian-evacuees-faced-gruelling-1300km-drive-to-exit-sudan-says-envoy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. (2021a). Consular Services for Malaysians Overseas. Retrieved from https://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/consular-services
Written by Muhammad Azram Irfan Bin Rosly