ASEAN CENTRALITY AMONG 5 FOCUS AREAS TO DRIVE MALAYSIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry has outlined five key focus areas under its Strategic Plan 2026-2030, including promoting and strengthening ASEAN Centrality, safeguarding the well-being of Malaysians abroad, as well as nurturing a favourable international landscape for economic advancement.

According to the document launched on Monday, the steadfast commitment to promote and strengthen ASEAN Centrality for regional peace, security and prosperity is a defining pillar of Malaysia’s foreign policy.

“In line with the ASEAN 2045: ‘Our Shared Future’ vision, Malaysia champions a Southeast Asia that is peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and resilient, guided by rules-based governance, sustainable economic development, and enhanced connectivity,” it said.

Malaysia also remains a strong proponent of a Southeast Asia free from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and is fully committed to peaceful dialogues and negotiations to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.

The next focus area centres on fostering a thriving environment for business, trade and investment  — an important area for trading and investment-oriented nation like Malaysia.

Guided by the MADANI Economy Framework and aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) objectives, Malaysia aims to strengthen its role as a key economic player in Asia, with economic diplomacy central to this effort.

The document stated that priorities such as TVET, the halal industry, semiconductors, and the digital economy will be advanced through international collaboration and sustainable practices.

This strategic direction is supported by national plans including the National Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap (HETR), the National Semiconductor Strategy and the AI Technology Action Plan 2026–2030.

Meanwhile, Malaysia also places importance on advocating human rights and social justice on the international stage.

This commitment extends beyond national borders through tangible actions including the provision of humanitarian assistance to refugees, unwavering support for Palestine and active engagement in platforms such as the UN Human Rights Council and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). 

The fourth focus area emphasises fostering environmental resilience for a sustainable world by pursuing multilateral cooperation and engagement with international partners, organisations, and industry stakeholders to advance global climate action.

Malaysia is also advancing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) to strengthen energy interconnectivity, advance low-carbon transition and enhance regional energy security.

 The fifth focus area underscores safeguarding the well-being of Malaysians abroad by providing robust consular services and assistance, in line with the Agenda Reformasi Perkhidmatan Awam (ARPA) which promotes more effective and seamless public service through digital integration.

Comprehensive measures are also being deployed to protect citizens from online job scams and other fraudulent activities.

Meanwhile, the Strategic Plan also highlights Malaysia’s global diplomatic footprint as part of its strategic mandate to promote national interests abroad.

Malaysia currently maintains 107 diplomatic missions worldwide, comprising 62 embassies, 17 high commissions, three permanent missions, 22 consulates-general, two consulates and one friendship and trade centre across Asia, West Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, North America and South America.

This extensive network enables Malaysia to strengthen bilateral and multilateral engagements, expand economic diplomacy efforts and provide timely consular assistance to Malaysians overseas.

-- BERNAMA