Factors that shape the policy
A country does not choose its foreign policy in a vacuum. Malaysia's foreign policy is formulated by weighing several factors:
- Historical factors: colonial rule by Britain left lasting ties to the Commonwealth and English-speaking world.
- Geographic factors: Malaysia's strategic location in Southeast Asia astride the Strait of Malacca makes regional stability vital.
- Economic factors: as a trading nation, Malaysia depends on open markets, foreign investment and exports.
- Political factors: safeguarding national sovereignty and security guides relations with powerful states.
- Social and demographic factors: a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society with a Muslim majority shapes ties with the Islamic world and with Asian neighbours.
Guiding principles
These factors are applied through consistent principles: respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, peaceful settlement of disputes, and neutrality that avoids taking sides between major powers. Together, these principles have made Malaysia an active but non-aligned voice on the world stage.
Key idea
Foreign policy is built from a country's history, geography, economy, politics and society, then guided by principles like sovereignty, non-interference and neutrality.
Remember
- Five factor groups: historical, geographic, economic, political, social.
- Geography: the Strait of Malacca and Southeast Asian location.
- Principles: sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful settlement, neutrality.