From Collins Chong
US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Malaysia today with a congressional delegation marks another significant milestone in our bilateral ties.
More importantly, it gives new credence and reinvigoration of our shared resolve in reinforcing common commitment and conviction in upholding moral-led values and international norms pillared on democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights.
This spectrum of historical international system and order, which has been created and steadfastly protected by the West and the global community, has been under serious and sustained threat from the increasing disregard for international laws and norms by China.
In outlining a new dawn of hope for global recovery efforts, the US remains crucial in leading the rejuvenation phase-out of the current doldrums.
The need for moral conviction and value-driven drive in leading the world in the recovery journey and standing up for global peace and collaboration cement the importance of the US’ role in continuing to maintain and shape the current order of freedom, peace, justice and respect for human rights.
The strategic and future-driven importance of the US to Malaysia’s long-term interests and security empowerment remains the central pillar of our future growth, stability and security. The core essence and underlying strength that mark the cornerstone of our bilateral relations will endure and remain the core priority.
The US’ unyielding conviction in upholding the universal emblems of democracy, freedom, social justice, free and open economy and equitable prosperity will serve as the principal support in maintaining a free, fair and open trade and economic exchange.
Most importantly, it will provide support and assurance in security and technological development which are fundamental to the country and the region amid the current twin challenges of pandemic recovery and economic crisis.
US-Malaysia cooperation in other non-military and humanitarian fields will go a long way in further cementing closer understanding and transfer of knowledge, experience, exposure and expertise in raising the local capability and readiness in facing future threats.
Various impactful and meaningful social and educational initiatives such as the Fulbright Programme, the YSEALI Initiative, greater exchanges and collaborations in the education and socio-cultural sphere and others, have further brought greater connection between the two communities, a greater pool of expanded activities and engagement in more fields and avenues.
More in-depth joint partnerships, training and transfer of expertise and knowledge in the field of high-skilled and high technology framework, future-driven pillars of growth with the likes of nano and quantum technology, artificial intelligence, 5G support framework, blockchain capacity and a digitalised and knowledge-led economy of the future will spearhead economic resilience, leading the regional and global recovery path.
As leaders of the next frontiers of innovation, value and knowledge creation and high-impact technological and scientific breakthroughs that will change the landscape of human development and prosperity, the American spirit of leading the world in innovation, creativity and advancement will be the milestone for joint progress and prosperity.
Our future growth resilience and nation-building are driven by the fabric of high innovation, creativity, and the building of vibrant and versatile human capital pillared by a knowledge and technology-based economy.
The advancement of the US in these fields and its capacities in protecting our national interest, survival and security remain crucial to our long-term future projection of growth and modernisation.
Taking into account our strategic role in the region and being the driver of peaceful and dialogue-building initiatives amidst the changing global order and geopolitical climate, the US remains our vital and indispensable partner in championing the cause of regional and global conflict management and peacebuilding measures.
The strengthening of comprehensive cooperation with the US in defence and security remains essential. This is reflected in the development and transfer of intelligence, technical and military expertise, and close cooperation in extending the bulwark of the enlarged safety net in thwarting global terrorism.
The US has provided nearly US$200 million in grant assistance to the Malaysian Armed Forces since 2017, a testimony to the growing importance and depth of security partnership which has grown significantly over the past two decades.
This cooperation remains paramount in providing the right capacity building for our armed forces, a platform further bolstered by the more than 100 security cooperation and partnership activities and programmes by the two countries.
The various joint exercises, training and surveillance, capacity support, intelligence sharing and various other security partnerships, including the Cobra Gold initiative, further deepen skills enhancement and joint interoperability capacities, especially in maritime security which are vital in facing both the resurging traditional and non-traditional threats.
The presence and support of the US in providing the assurance and extending the hand of friendship provides tools of support and assistance in helping the actors in the region to counter different threats and in creating new spheres of viable and sustainable development models.
The tenets and fundamentals of our diplomatic craft and foreign affairs have been the model of emulation and we should inject new waves of strategic orientation in fortifying our policy manoeuvring that includes more in-depth defensive and security affiliation with Uncle Sam, considering the needs of the future against the rising threat from regional security architecture dictated by Beijing.
Our proven and time-tested relations with the US will endure future challenges. Regardless of personas and figures of leadership in both countries, our ties are shaped by the essence of engrained trust and openness in friendship and support.
Malaysia should seize the opportunity to continue building trust, support, openness, and willingness to deepen and strengthen our proven relationship that underpins the centrepiece of greater regional stability and prosperity.
The path ahead for the nation and the region remains both challenging and opportunistic and it is imperative for both countries to continue, with unwavering drive and tenacity, in solidifying the bond and sincere partnership for shared interests.
Resilient, consistent and favourable US-Malaysia ties will be the cornerstone of greater prospects and openings in different spectrums of returns for Malaysia in particular.
Pelosi’s visit will fortify our entrenched ties which will serve as a show of consolidated and united resolve in solidifying and protecting the decades-old norms of international rule of law and democracy and upholding the moral high ground of values and principles. We as a nation will stand to benefit from greater and stronger US-Malaysia ties.
A hearty welcome to Malaysia, Pelosi and team.
Collins Chong is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.