Relations between Malaysia & United States: A review

Since Malaysia's independence in 1957, Malaysia and the United States have enjoyed cordial relations in trade, investment, narcotics control, defence, cultural and educational exchanges program etc. The bilateral interaction between Malaysia and United States is dated back to even 19th century, when the merchants from the United States traded at several ports in Malaysia, then known as Malaya.

In the Twentieth century, the United States recognized the Malayan independence from British colonial rule on August 31, 1957. Diplomatic relation was established at that time, when the Consular General in Kuala Lumpur was elevated to the status of Embassy and when the late Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman was sent as Malaysia's very first ambassador to the United States and also a permenant representative to the United Nations. He played a decisive role in making neutrality the pillar of Malaysia's Foreign Policy and is always refered as the "primary architect of Malaysian Foreign Policy."

The threat of Cold War binded us together and both governments cooperated closely to undermine the Soviet menace in Southeast Asia. After the end of Cold War, the process of globalization and emergence of new economy catalyzed the cooperation in the field of economy, technology, and education between two countries. Apart from that, on the international stage, Malaysia has shown its commitment towards international development and human rights efforts initiated by the United Nations and was accepted as a member of the United Nations in 1957.

Inevitably, tensions did occur between the United States and Malaysia. Past tensions included the tin and rubber stockpile disposal plan, the Vietnamese refugee problem, the fears over the United State's withdrawal of its General System of Preferences (GPS) privileges for Malaysia. HOWever, the both nations also adhere to shared core values such as the belief in democracy, religious tolerance, free enterprise etc., and over the years, cooperations between U.S. and Malaysia have far outweighed these tensions.

Indonesian's confrontation against Malaysia from 1963-66 marks an important benchmark in the Malaysia-America's relations, as it was the very first direct involvement of U.S. into the political affairs of Malaysia. Before this, U.S. had hovered in the background behind the British who continued close relation with Malaysia even after the granting of independence. Therefore, U.S.'s deeper involvement and interaction with Malaysia signified a distinct departure from its earlier policy.

When think about diplomacy, it doesn't have to be too top-down and bureaucratic as people-to-people relations, people-to-people exchange of ideas and communication are of very much importance as well. This is what going to make this SUSI program a wonderful and fruitful journey for everybody. I'm sure that we'll be the one who continue making progress and fostering closer relations among each other and together we'll being prosperity to all. :-)