Malaysia dares to speak out

IN a dynamic context reflecting fundamental changes in the international system, Malaysia has moved beyond its isolation and preoccupation with its internal problems. It has been able to resume its strong presence, dare to speak out against major powers, and maintain "neutrality" in the face of the fierce competition between the United States and China. Perhaps what helps it do this is its moderate model and its great prosperity as one of the Asian tigers. However, what is new in the Malaysian scene is a "firm tone" and extreme pragmatism in dealing with the West and the rising powers of the East. As for the Middle East, many are following Prime Minister Anwar's efforts to defend the cause of the Palestinian people. There is satisfaction in the advancement of relations between Egypt and Malaysia to the level of a "strategic partnership," the strengthening of relations with the Gulf states, and, most importantly, the strengthening of strategic cooperation between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China. These efforts contribute to shaping a more balanced and independent international order amidst growing global challenges.

AI Brief

Malaysia defends Palestine strongly, launching a humanitarian flotilla and criticising Western hypocrisy, especially Germany's stance.
PM Anwar promotes strategic diplomacy, deepening ties with Egypt, Gulf states, and China while maintaining ASEAN neutrality.
Malaysia aims to shape a balanced global order through ASEAN-GCC cooperation, civil society activism, and multilateral partnerships.

Many Arab experts believe that Malaysia's influence, the vitality of its civil society, and the courage of its leaders to speak out against Western powers have contributed to the growing global movement in support of the Palestinian people.

In response to the detention of the Madeleine, Malaysia is preparing a "Flotilla of 1,000" to break the siege of Gaza. Malaysian civil society organizations announced their intention to launch the largest naval flotilla to break the siege of Gaza, following Israel's seizure of the Madeleine on its way to the besieged Strip. Azmi Abdul Hamid, chairman of the Coordinating Council of Islamic Organizations Malaysia, said the results of his contacts with bodies and organizations from around the world were very encouraging for the launch of a flotilla of 1,000 ships. The "Flotilla of 1,000" initiative is based on international maritime law, with an emphasis on the purely humanitarian nature of the shipments, and the presence of observers and media teams to ensure transparency.

This step came after the Israeli seizure of the relief ship "Madeleine" in international waters, which was carrying medical and food aid, as well as activists, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. It is worth noting that this initiative is inspired by the spirit of the Freedom Flotilla of 2010, but it is characterized by broader participation at the global level, in an attempt to mobilize international public opinion against the continued blockade, which violates international conventions.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed his country's firm position on the Gaza Strip and Iran, despite all the US pressure exerted during the customs duties negotiations on Malaysian imports. His country's position is consistent with its repeatedly expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and its calls for a ceasefire. Kuala Lumpur also supports the decision to establish an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. Bernama quoted the Prime Minister as saying, "Despite the pressure, threats, and objections regarding our position on Palestine and Gaza, or our good relations with Iran, this will not change our firm position as an independent, sovereign state, nor our vision." Ibrahim affirmed that Malaysia continues to defend its unwavering position on the Palestinian issue in various multilateral international forums, including the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sparked widespread controversy with his statements in which he strongly criticized the "hypocrisy of the West" regarding the conflict in Gaza, particularly Germany's pro-Israel stance. During his recent visit to Berlin, Ibrahim sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, questioning the "hypocrisy of the West" in its handling of the events in Gaza. Ibrahim emphasized the need to end the "hypocrisy of the West" in its handling of the events there, noting that the problem is not limited to the October 7 attack.

He pointed out that the "West" accuses the "East" of barbarism, while the "East" has shown greater humanity in its handling of the crisis. Ibrahim directly asked the German Chancellor about the reason for this "hypocrisy" in the German position on Gaza, and Ibrahim did not hesitate to use the term "genocide" to describe what is happening in Gaza.

However, there was no immediate response from the German Chancellor. One commentator described the Chancellor's reaction as "heartless" for not being moved by Ibrahim's words. Meanwhile, Anwar Ibrahim's statements received widespread praise on social media, with many praising his courage in confronting the German position. Some criticized the West's "hypocrisy" in handling the crisis and supported Ibrahim's position. After a while, Anwar Ibrahim's stance, along with international and domestic pressure, contributed to Meretz halting arms exports to the racist government in Israel.

Malaysia appears to have succeeded in highlighting its independence and strengthening its position as an Asian power, a significant force in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and a leader of the Global South.

Through its presidency of the Asian bloc this year, Malaysia has been able to highlight the concept of "ASEAN Centrality," a principle that supports the independence of ASEAN countries and enhances their ability to make decisions independent of major powers such as China and the United States. This approach is evident in Malaysia's support for a policy of neutrality, as it works to achieve a delicate balance in a region rife with geopolitical challenges and in the face of global economic transformations that impact the region's stability and development.

At the same time, Malaysia's vision for the ASEAN presidency is based on three main axes: politics and security, economics, and socioculturalism. In the security field, Malaysia seeks to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in confronting common threats, such as terrorism and piracy. This is an important step, as ASEAN and the GCC are two prominent global economic blocs. ASEAN's combined GDP is approximately $3.6 trillion, with a population exceeding 680 million, positioning it to become the fourth largest global economy by 2030.

On the other hand, the Gulf countries have a combined GDP of approximately $2.3 trillion, making them ideal partners for ASEAN countries in enhancing economic cooperation. Trade between them has reached more than $100 billion in recent years, and cooperation extends to the cultural and tourism sectors, as Malaysia seeks to make ASEAN a preferred destination for tourists from the Gulf countries. Malaysia's experience remains significant, as it seeks to maintain neutrality amidst competition without slipping into geopolitical conflicts.

By adopting neutrality through a balanced strategy, Malaysia seeks to achieve several goals, most notably: strengthening cooperation with the Gulf and China without compromising the independence of the Association; establishing a multilateral strategic partnership to achieve sustainable economic growth; and building new economic and trade networks that support regional stability. With a focus on sustainable partnerships, cooperation between the three parties can serve as a model for addressing global challenges in a balanced and effective manner, balancing economic, security, and cultural imperatives. At the same time, it opens new horizons for strengthening the position of ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as effective regional powers that contribute to shaping a more stable and prosperous global order.

Ultimately, Malaysia's experience is admired, and it is important to see whether there is a chance for successful multilateral cooperation that advances the interests of participating parties and establishes a more stable and prosperous global order. On the other hand, Arab public opinion awaits further Malaysian initiatives on Arab issues, and whether its new language and strong presence on the international stage will make a difference in the Palestinian cause.

Mohamed Sabreen is Managing Editor of Al-Ahram newspaper. An expert on international affairs, the Middle East, environmental issues, and sustainable development. He has written for Al-Ahram newspaper, The Korea Times, Xinhua News Agency, Al-Ahram Weekly, Al-Masry Al-Youm, the United World International Research

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.