PUTRAJAYA: Malaysias new Foreign Policy Framework under the Pakatan Harapan government has been launched and will serve as a definitive guide for Wisma Putras foreign policy direction.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the framework was a result of thorough and comprehensive reviews and assessments as well as consultations with various stakeholders.<\/p>\n
This participatory approach has become the cornerstone of the current government in upholding and promoting cardinal principles such as transparency, openness and good governance.<\/p>\n
Foreign policy cannot be effective if it contradicts the expectations and realities of the domestic environment.<\/p>\n
Therefore, inter-agency cooperation in implementing policies formulated by the government is important, he said at the launch of the new framework at Perdana Putra here yesterday.<\/p>\n
Dr Mahathir said the basic elements of Malaysias foreign policy remained the same, with differences in the way the country approaches certain issues.<\/p>\n
The overarching theme of this framework is Change in Continuity. This will be the direction of the implementation of our foreign<\/p>\n
policy.<\/p>\n
We are living in a world where changes take place at a rapid pace. These changes bring both challenges and opportunities.<\/p>\n
It is, therefore, only logical that Malaysia does not stick to the traditional methods of engagements and instead proactively seeks to explore new approaches, he said.<\/p>\n
Dr Mahathir outlined three approaches that Malaysias foreign policy would take, which included participating actively in discussions at various international fora where Malaysia is already a member.<\/p>\n
For international fora that Malaysia is not a member, the country will aim to influence the decision-making processes.<\/p>\n
Malaysia will also be looking to shape the discourse on emerging issues such as Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the blue economy.<\/p>\n
Dr Mahathir also said that Malaysia would continue to pursue an independent, principled and pragmatic foreign policy, founded on the values of peace, humanity, justice, and equality.<\/p>\n
The country, he said, would continue to maintain friendly relations with all countries and seek peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law and norms.<\/p>\n
Despite that, Malaysia reserves the right to express its opinion and if necessary, its protestations, against injustices, oppression and other crimes against humanity that is committed by any nation.<\/p>\n
Malaysia has never shied away from what it believes to be a responsibility and commitment to mankind, he said.<\/p>\n
Dr Mahathir also expressed concern on powerful countries unilaterally imposing their will on others, while violating international agreements and United Nations resolutions.<\/p>\n
There are also powerful countries imposing unilateral sanctions, not respecting trade agreements and blatantly disregarding multilateral framework.<\/p>\n
This affects not only the particular country singled out but other countries also.<\/p>\n
Malaysia will submit what it must but it will be under open protest, he said.<\/p>\n
The 80-page document can be accessed at the Foreign Ministrys website.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for a new offer coming to you soon.<\/p>\n
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New Foreign Policy Framework, new approach - The Star Online<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PUTRAJAYA: Malaysias new Foreign Policy Framework under the Pakatan Harapan government has been launched and will serve as a definitive guide for Wisma Putras foreign policy direction. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the framework was a result of thorough and comprehensive reviews and assessments as well as consultations with various stakeholders Continue reading