Malaysia and international security: role, commitments, issues and challenges

Abstract

Malaysian role in international security over the past 50 years since independence in 1957 has always been guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for national sovereignty and international law, and commitment to regionalism in Southeast Asia, as well as support for South-South cooperation and development including the Islamic world. These principles have been operationalized through its foreign policy. This paper therefore argues that Malaysia's role in international security is significant, reflecting its own progress and aspirations to be a fully developed country by 2020, its contribution to regional stability and empowerment of the 10-member grouping of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN), and initiatives taken to establish a broader regional community via the East Asian Summit(EAS) in 2005. Additionally, Malaysia's advocacy and commitment to international conflict management via the United Nations Peace-Keeping Operations (UNPKO) indicates the country's readiness, and capability to address contemporary international security issues and promote peace within a multilateral framework. The paper will conclude on the note that Malaysia's international diplomacy and role have matured after 50 years of independence, although the continuing challenge of Modernization and Globalization is obliging the country's leaders and diplomats to formulate new paradigms and strategies to address issues in national, regional and international security.