WISMA PUTRA’S FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK TITLED “FOCUS IN CONTINUITY: A FRAMEWORK FOR MALAYSIA’S FOREIGN POLICY IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD”
Wisma Putra’s Foreign Policy Framework titled “Focus in Continuity: A Framework for Malaysia’s Foreign Policy in a Post-Pandemic World” was successfully launched by YAB Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. This Framework articulates current direction and priorities in ensuring that existing foreign policy implementation is further enhanced as a response to the ever-changing global developments and realities, especially those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with the overarching theme of ‘Focus in Continuity’, this Framework will continue to uphold the long-standing basic tenets of Malaysia’s foreign policy, such as non-aligned and neutrality. Meanwhile, ‘Focus’ refers to the current realities and challenges, in which there is an urgent need to address them for the betterment of the people.
This Framework embodies a renewed approach and focuses on the eight issues:
- Revitalise Malaysia’s links to the global economy - establishing close economic cooperation with strategic partners and other countries on the international platform;
- Health Diplomacy - in which Malaysia needs, and will, be directly involved in the manufacturing of homegrown vaccines and the management of the global vaccine supply chain;
- Digital Economy - Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) diplomacy will be leveraged to increase the inflows of foreign investment and technology transfers;
- Cyber Security - shaping the international cybersecurity norms and laws to protect Malaysia’s national interests;
- Cultural Diplomacy - focus on concerted efforts in boosting Malaysia’s unique national identity on the global stage that can also promote greater market access to local cultural products;
- Peaceful Coexistence - focus on enhancing Malaysia’s role and contribution in peacekeeping and peacebuilding;
- Upholding Multilateralism, in which there will be a focus on regional and international cooperation in addressing common issues; and
- Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs), with a more comprehensive involvement at the international stage, to reflect Malaysia’s commitment towards sustainable development as well as shaping the relevant discourses.
This approach will leverage Wisma Putra’s expansive diplomatic networks to, among others, secure adequate supplies of vaccines and medical equipment as well as identify new economic markets and sectors that can accelerate the national economic recovery process. This Framework was formulated through extensive cooperation and collaboration with numerous entities, including Ministries / Government Agencies, members of CCFP, MPs, as well as members of academia, entrepreneurs, and civil society. This process is in line with adopting an open and consultative (Syura) approach throughout the formulation and implementation of Malaysia’s foreign policy. It is essential to ensure that our foreign policy remains pragmatic and resilient in addressing the current realities, especially in navigating the challenges of a post-pandemic world.
A copy of this Framework can be accessed via Wisma Putra’s official website: https://fpm.kln.gov.my/index.php/en/
Embassy of Malaysia
Khartoum
9 December 2021
