Origins of the Movement
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM / Pergerakan Negara-Negara Berkecuali) grew out of the desire of newly independent nations to avoid being drawn into the rivalry between the two superpower blocs during the Cold War. Its ideas were shaped by the Bandung Conference of 1955, and the Movement was formally founded at the Belgrade Conference in 1961. Its early leaders included Tito of Yugoslavia, Nehru of India, Nasser of Egypt and Sukarno of Indonesia.
Why Malaysia joined
Malaysia became a member in 1970, at the Lusaka Summit, as part of its shift toward neutrality and non-alignment under Tun Abdul Razak. NAM membership allowed Malaysia to:
- Stay independent of both superpower blocs and protect its sovereignty.
- Speak up for smaller developing nations on issues like decolonisation and fair development.
- Support causes such as the rights of the Palestinian people.
Malaysia as host
Malaysia hosted the 13th NAM Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2003, using the platform to press for peace, dialogue among civilisations and the interests of the developing world. This confirmed Malaysia's role as an active voice for the Global South.
Key idea
NAM let Malaysia stay neutral between the Cold War superpowers while championing the interests of developing nations.
Remember
- NAM founded at the Belgrade Conference, 1961; inspired by Bandung 1955.
- Malaysia joined in 1970.
- Purpose: neutrality between the two Cold War blocs.
- Malaysia hosted the 13th NAM Summit in Kuala Lumpur, 2003.