Najib says remedied ‘confrontational’ foreign policies of predecessor
(MMO) – Malaysia’s diplomatic ties have improved because Putrajaya reversed the combative approach adopted by a previous leader for personal glory, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said that among the key changes he made upon assuming office was to insist the the country be more collaborative on foreign policy matters in order to derive tangible benefits for its citizens.
“Malaysians are warm, approachable and collaboration-orientated people; for decades we had a leader who adopted intentionally confrontational foreign policy positions, perhaps for personal popularity.
“But when I became prime minister, I chose to be different, and make a clear break with past approaches. Because I believe Malaysia’s foreign policy should be about building partnerships that benefit the country and the people,” he said.
Najib was delivering his keynote address at the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) 2016 biennial conference.
The prime minister did not the name the leader in question, but predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had various clashes with other countries including, but not limited to, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Australia.
Today, Najib added that it was because of this change in foreign policy approach that Malaysia was able to sufficiently repair ties with Singapore and sign an agreement with the island-state for a vital high-speed rail link between the capitals of both countries.
“No more insisting on awakening old quarrels or harping on old slights that everyone else has forgotten.
“Instead, I decided that national interest should always come before personal political interest. That developing relations and economic partnerships with other nations is what promotes peace, security and prosperity for our peoples,” he added.
He also reiterated his stance against foreign intervention and urged other Commonwealth nations not to succumb to the whims of “larger powers.”
“We are firm that the days of imperial powers could tell others how to behave, whether politically, economically or culturally, are over.
“So I make no apology for defending the sovereignty of Malaysia and the interests of our people,” he said.
Earlier this month, Najib also warned Muslim nations against foreign intervention, saying meddling by unnamed foreign powers have left some Muslim nations in disarray.
He also urged them to reject those who invited foreign countries to interfere in domestic affairs.
