Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

Malaysia's clear foreign policy goals in respect of defence and security, development and trade, international co-operation and diplomacy determine the pattern of relations that we have established with our neighbours as well as with other countries within the framework of ASEAN, ARF, APEC, ASEM, South-South Co-operation, the OIC, the Commonwealth, NAM, the UN and other regional and international organisations.

These are the organisations which seek to safeguard the interest of developing countries. Admittedly their achievements at best are mixed, but clearly developing countries have many common problems and do need to work together to face the new challenges of globalisation. We will also continue to make our presence felt in such international foras.

At the multilateral level, Malaysia has always defended the position of developing countries on major issues such as terrorism, human rights, democracy and the environment, notwithstanding facing strong pressure, in the process. Malaysia will continue to adopt a proactive role at the international level.

Photo : The Honourable Senator A.Kohilan Pillay, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs I, with other ministerial delegates during The 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Singapore, 14-15 November 2009

Malaysia has and will continue to be active in the OIC, Commonwealth, NAM and the UN. Such fora are useful in promoting co­operation between member states, in finding solutions to global problems and in establishing common ground rules that will guide the peaceful conduct of international relations.

Malaysia will continue to use these platforms to speak on global issues like human rights and democracy, the environment, international terrorism and transnational crimes, refugees, disarmament and the reform of the UN Security Council. Of late, Malaysia has been in the front line in voicing concern and the need to combat the menace of international piracy.

We believe that the UN should continue to be effective in dealing with global developmental issues, peace and security, humanitarian activities, international crisis and cases of violations of the UN charter and principles of international law in a fair and equitable manner.

Malaysia has always been a strong advocate of multilateralism and we oppose any and all forms of unilateralism. We do not believe that unilateralism is the way forward to resolve international problems.

Malaysia strongly believes that only the United Nations can provide legitimacy to international order. As a small developing country player in the international arena, Malaysia needs to firmly uphold the principles of the UN charter as a defence of last resort.