MALAYSIA'S MULTILATERAL DIPLOMACY: A YEAR OF BALANCING PRIORITIES

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's diplomacy in 2024 reflects a strategically calibrated approach to multilateralism, effectively addressing global and regional challenges while reinforcing its influence on key international platforms.

From the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and its growing involvement in groupings such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Malaysia has demostrated a careful balance of national interest with its responsibility as a global partner.

"Malaysia has managed to uphold its principles, pursue its priorities and project its voice amid an increasingly fragmented world order," said Izzah Ibrahim, an analyst in Foreign Policy & Security Studies at ISIS Malaysia.

Malaysia's performance in multilateral forums like ASEAN, BRICS, APEC and UNGA this year reflects a steady, measured commitment to shaping global discourses, with ASEAN serving as the cornerstone of its regional engagement, said Izzah, who is also an Asia-Pacific-focused analyst.

Malaysia regards ASEAN as a vital platform for advancing strategic, economic and environmental concerns, demostrating its belief in collective action to achieve mutual benefits, she said.

“From political stability to economic integration, Malaysia's leadership as an upcoming ASEAN chair has been evident in its comprehensive involvement across ministries, ranging from trade and tourism to youth and sports," she said.

Malaysia's statements at the UNGA have underscored its principled stance on reforming international frameworks, calling for greater accountability within the UN Charter and international law while championing issues such as the veto power of the Permanent Five (P5) members, Islamophobia and the plight of Palestine.

"This commitment to principles reflects Malaysia's firm stance on multilateralism and the need for reform in international frameworks, especially in addressing global inequalities," said Izzah.

Malaysia's participation in APEC and its early engagement with BRICS illustrate its efforts to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependency, a calculated strategy to secure its national interests amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

The year marked a significant step for Malaysia as it formally became a BRICS partner country in October following its application submission in July.

Izzah opined that Malaysia's ability to balance its regional, economic and global priorities effectively lies in its pragmatic approach and stable foundations. 

The country's relatively secure geopolitical position allows it to focus on economic growth and development, which Malaysia views as essential to its long-term stability and influence.

"Malaysia’s nonaligned stance gives it the flexibility to engage with all nations while remaining committed to rules-based norms. This enhances its reputation as a reliable and constructive partner," she said.

A key strength is the country’s issue-based approach to international cooperation, allowing Malaysia to compartmentalise its relationships with other nations based on interests. 

"This compartmentalisation has enabled Malaysia to secure market access and economic benefits, but it must ensure that such pragmatism is not mistaken for inaction or indifference," Izzah said, adding that such pragmatism can sometimes be misinterpreted as passivity.

To enhance its influence on global platforms, Izzah said Malaysia must address internal and external challenges. 

"Malaysia needs to ensure consistency in its (foreign policy) messaging and align its actions with clear intentions. Ambiguity has, at times, undermined credibility on the global stage," she said.

Engagement with global powers should remain rooted in principles of regional and international law, while collaboration with middle and smaller powers should expand beyond traditional areas to signal Malaysia’s broader multilateral ambitions, she said.

"Building trust and confidence through principled engagement with both major and smaller powers will be key to Malaysia's aspirations for a stronger diplomatic voice," Izzah said, noting that a whole-of-government approach can harmonise policies and and align multilateral diplomacy with leadership priorities.

-- BERNAMA