Working with the world
No country can do everything alone. Malaysia joins organisations - groups of countries that meet, help each other and work for peace. Some are regional (nearby countries) and some are international (from all over the world).
Important organisations Malaysia joins
- ASEAN - the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, formed in 1967. Malaysia was a founding member. It brings Southeast Asian countries together for peace and trade.
- The United Nations (UN) - a world body that works for peace among all nations. Malaysia joined in 1957.
- The Commonwealth - a family of countries once linked to Britain, including Malaysia.
Key idea
By joining ASEAN, the United Nations and the Commonwealth, Malaysia builds friendship, trade and peace with countries near and far.
Remember
- ASEAN was formed in 1967; Malaysia was a founding member.
- Malaysia joined the United Nations in 1957.
- Regional = nearby countries; international = the whole world.