When it appears the Malaysian government is weathering through rough waters in local politics, the surprise is coming from the country’s emboldened foreign policy. Is Malaysia asserting its role as a major power in the South East Asian (SEA) region or is it simply a shift of gear that will wither when the dust settles in?

Turkey, the US and now the Singapore media are all waking up to a new front in Malaysian foreign policy. The usually ‘friendly’ Malaysian government has showed its paws when abruptly called the Turkish envoy in Kuala Lumpur to explain on the actions of Anwar Ibrahim, opposition leader when he was holed up in the Turkish Embassy. Malaysia pressed the button hard when it said Turkey was meddling in Malaysia’s local politics.

Then followed the missive against the US after a statement by the US State Department spokesman Tom Casey was quoted as saying that "it hoped there would not be a pattern" because Anwar had faced similar charges in 1998. Malaysia cried fool, saying the US was interfering in the affairs of Malaysia.

Then it is the Malaysian Embassy in Singapore that showed its strength by urging – with a degree of warning – the Singapore media not to make fun or to carry articles that ‘denigrates’ Malaysian personalities.

In the past, Malaysia seemed on the defensive, responding to criticism from the US and from media reporters with less aggressiveness. Now it appears that Malaysia is on the offensive.

Singapore did not issue any statements on the Malaysian embassy request to Singapore newsmen, perhaps thinking it is not to be considered interference by Malaysian officials in the affairs of Singapore.

By all means the Malaysian Foreign Ministry is working differently, probably with the intent of giving Malaysia a more ‘aggressive’ look in its foreign policies. In the very recent past, the country showed an incredible openness to countries like the US and Thailand, entertaining their requests with ease. Malaysia had agreed too that the US be the leader in the war on terror and that Malaysia will follow suit with all necessary support.

With the recent nomination of Foreign Affairs Minister Rais Yatim things are moving differently at the Wisma Putra. It is possible that with US President George W. Bush term ending soon, Malaysia is trying to build a different image. Being the follower of the US in the war on terror did not benefit the country greatly in terms of economic input. Malaysia’s foreign policy is basically about ‘economic benefits’ for the country.

Washington warned Malaysia against any "politically-motivated" investigation or "prosecution" of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"The main point for us is that the rule of law needs to stand above politics. And we would certainly oppose any use of law enforcement or judicial procedures for anything other than legitimate purposes of the law."

Adding that Anwar had faced similar charges in the past and his conviction was overturned, Casey added, "So, we would hope that there's not a pattern here.

"But, certainly, we would be concerned that anything that is done be done in a way that is appropriate, that is a legitimate investigation of charges that might exist under Malaysian law, and would not be anything that was a politically motivated investigation or prosecution."

This statement from the ‘friendly’ White House seem to have touched the wrong sensitivities in the Malaysian foreign office and in the Malaysian government altogether.

In response, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi lashed out at the United States for what he termed as interference in the affairs of Malaysia.

He has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a protest note to Washington following a statement made by the US State Department that it would oppose any politically motivated investigation or prosecution of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

'It is a statement which tries to interfere in our country...we will certainly ensure that any investigation will be carried out properly, fairly and without cruelty to anyone,' he said.

Mr Abdullah said the statement showed that the US was prejudiced against Malaysia, including its legal system and its enforcement.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak also responded to the US State Department's statement yesterday, insisting that the police investigation against Mr Anwar was never politically motivated.

'This is never politically motivated at all,' he said.

'(It) never crossed our mind whatsoever, so Washington better get the facts right.'

Malacca's Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam, who is also Umno's vice-president, also warned the US against interfering in Malaysia's affairs.

He said: 'We (Malaysia) are an independent, free and democratic country, we are not a colony of the United States, so there is no reason for them to give us an ultimatum.'

Is the balance tilting away from the US? Whatever the consequences of the current heat between the US and Malaysia, the fact remains that Malaysia is shifting its foreign policy again. The end of the Bush era could be the purveyor of this shift in policies and we are bound to see more outcries from Wisma Putra and the Prime Minister’s office in the future.

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written by a malaysian, July 24, 2008

Why would you listen to them when they r just talking rubbish?. They do not speak on behalf of the people. All they do is trying to find excuses to justify their misconduct and abuse of power. The Malaysian people are totally sick of their lack of transparency and professionalism. Don't we deserve better.?

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written by zakiri, July 24, 2008

losing the battle interntionally, Malaysia is shifting its guns against the US. The idea is simple...gain the sympathy of the US by criticising it. This may work in Malaysia but not in the international forums!

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