Volume 2 2020 DIPLOMATIC A TRIANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN RELATIONS, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, VOICE ISSN 2289-1277

Tall Order for New Foreign Minister

Credit to Wisma Putra, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

CONTENTS

Follow us on 1-2 Tall Order for New Foreign Minister Facebook and Twitter 3 Highlight @IDFRMalaysia 4-10 Forum 11-17 News 18 - 20 In and Around IDFR HIGHLIGHT

Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, has helmed several ministries in the last 20 years, but as revealed by him - a dream he keeps by himself - it is always his wish to join one particular ministry.

That dream came true when he was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia on 9 March 2020. The moment he set foot at Wisma Putra after the first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin was in his element.

As introductions were made, the Credit to Bernama Foreign Minister exchanged greetings, offered selfies with officers and at one His stint as as Defence Minister has given two countries. Among the issues time he even chatted cheerfully with an him extensive experience in dealing with discussed was the repatriation of officer whom he must have met during major powers on strategic issues. 2,876 stranded in India. his stint as the Defence Minister. As they Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin expressed sang Negaraku and the Wisma Putra In the 100 days that he had helmed his appreciation to the Government of song, many noticed his face turning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ India for allowing 18 rescue flights to red. After the welcoming ceremony, an Seri Hishammuddin had overseen the bring Malaysian citizens home which officer revealed that the Foreign Minister success of Wisma Putra in bringing was at that point, the largest number looked slightly emotional and was visibly back Malaysians stranded overseas of flight a country was allowed by the moved. It seemed he did not expect that following the Covid-19 pandemic. “Many Government of India. kind of reception. Malaysians were brought home, with over 20,000 from 70 countries. That’s a Prior to his appointment as the In his speech, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin fact and no one can deny Wisma Putra’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Seri mentioned several times that he was success in the last 100 days,” he said at Hishammuddin held a number of back to serve the people and country. He a press conference when asked about prominent cabinet posts, among others, further mentioned that the government his 100-day achievement at Wisma Minister of Defence, Minister of Home was currently facing various challenges. Putra after the Special ASEAN-Russia Affairs, and Minister of Education. He then emphasised the importance Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Covid-19. of carrying out work without any self- interest, without being narrow-minded During the 100-day period, Dato’ Seri or the politics of hate and divide. Hishammuddin had also personally “My wish as the minister made an effort to put Wisma Putra is that we have to be He further added that it is his wish as and its personnel as crucial frontliners different because there the Minister that “we have to be different in the process of nation-building. “In a is so much hate out there because there is so much hate out there borderless world, it is hoped that Wisma not only in the country not only in the country but globally. Putra’s role will be better recognised but globally. Our strength is the basic good that all Our strength is the basic good that all under my leadership,” he said. Malaysians have. Malaysians have”. After the welcoming ceremony and a short press conference, During the Movement Control Order That is what makes Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin got down to (MCO), Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin used us respected. It is not work with briefings from senior officials. diplomatic relations and his initiative something you can buy as the Malaysian Foreign Minister to with money but comes Maintaining peaceful relations with all contact his counterparts to bring home from our sincere intention countries and staying neutral between Malaysian citizens stranded overseas. that we do this for the adversaries are among the approaches For example, on 13 April 2020, Dato’ country, race and religion. that Malaysia’s foreign policy would Seri Hishammuddin contacted H.E. It is also for our future take. These approaches had served as Dr. S Jaishankar, Minister of External generation.” a guide for the Foreign Minister within Affairs of India via telephone to speak the first 100 days he assumed office. on bilateral relations between the

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IDFR Lecture Series 1/2020: Healing the Nation 2.0

youth with support from civil society and international organisations – that saw young Malaysians debate issues including infrastructure disparities, unemployment, minimum wage, upskilling and reskilling, digital literacy, and access to education and nutrition. Here, the use of such new platforms suggests a healthy trend.

In relation to the change of government in May 2018 and again in February 2020, Tunku added that Malaysia needs leadership that places the interests of the country first. Sustainably healing the nation will require perceptions on the quality of leaders to be addressed. However, in the medium to long term, it requires leaders to understand the On 6 August 2020, IDFR successfully schools, universities, and the education concerns of millions of Malaysians who held its first lecture for the year under its system in general is a crucial component have long held suspicions and distrust IDFR Lecture Series. The lecture, titled in re-forging a shared sense of identity; of their fellow citizens and political Healing the Nation 2.0, was delivered by that having platforms to debate views players. the esteemed speaker, HRH Tunku Zain pertaining to the national vision is vitally Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Founding important; and that national healing Tunku Zain concluded his lecture President of the Institute for Democracy needs moral leadership. by stating that the noticeable and and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) and welcome shift in the language of IDFR’s Distinguished Fellow. During his lecture, Tunku Zain good governance provides renewed encourages young Malaysians to opportunities for all Malaysians to have This topic is a continuation and an update be informed on current issues and a proper understanding of our Federal on the topic of Healing the Nation, which understand that government matters. Constitution and the origins, functions, Tunku Zain spoke on at various venues He also stated that he is hopeful that the and operation of our institutions; and on several occasions in 2015. In various discussions he has had with the for all Malaysians to have the ability healing the nation, he stated that we relevant ministries and Parliament and to debate, without fear, competing must first agree on what its original the Judiciary will assist in revamping visions of the future in a peaceful, health was and how that health has the education of the next generation of respectful and inclusive way; and for been damaged. After Independence, Malaysians on the origin, function, and all Malaysians to nurture and elevate there were efforts to create a sense of operation of our national institutions. leaders who successfully embody these shared identity – the Rukun Negara, He cited the recent Digital Parliament democratically articulated desires. Vision 2020, and 1Malaysia were – a radical yet conservative initiative by some examples – and each has had a varying degree of success in fostering bonds between citizens. Tunku Zain added that there are also other ways to measure a nation’s health including international indices which compare countries according to standards such as the state of democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and the ease of doing business. However, they do not capture important nuances within countries when multiple institutions might be involved. He then reiterated the conclusions of his lecture in 2015: that

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The Role of Economic Diplomacy in the Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic Sufian Jusoh

Introduction As an open economy relying on decline in FDI in the same year.5 As a international trade and foreign direct result of Covid-19, more than two-thirds This article discusses the role of Malaysian investments (FDI), Malaysia falls within the of multinational investors in developing diplomats in exercising diplomacy in group of countries that the World Bank countries are reporting disruptions in assisting Malaysia to recovery from the and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supply chains, declines in revenues, economic shock caused by the Covid-19 predict are most severely affected by the and falls in production. The World Bank’s Pandemic. The emergence of Covid-19 pandemic, i.e. open economies in terms survey on the impact of the Covid-19 as a pandemic has caused major of trade and FDI, significant exporters of pandemic shows a worsening investment disruptions in international trade and services and host countries experiencing scenario in the next coming months.6 investment to the world and Malaysia. As the outbreak.2 According to the latest an open economy and a trading nation International Monetary Fund (IMF) World The Covid-19 pandemic further where trade is about 131 percent of the Economic Outlook June 2020, global contributes to Malaysia’s already GDP in 2018, Malaysia is vulnerable to economy is projected to contract at –4.9 challenging exports and FDI scene. external demand, hence the need to find percent in 2020, 1.9 percentage points Malaysia’s export of goods and services ways to mitigate Malaysia’s economic below the April 2020 World Economic had already experienced a steady decline shocks as a result of the pandemic. Outlook (WEO) forecast.3 The IMF states since 2019 and is trending downward in While acknowledging the importance of that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a 2020. Malaysia’s export amounted to safeguarding lives during this pandemic more negative impact on activity in the RM986.4 billion in 2019, a decline of 1.7% period, it is also important to safeguard first half of 2020 than anticipated, and over 2018. Malaysia’s exports of products the business community and Malaysia’s the recovery is projected to be more and services are expected to decline by position as a significant player in the global gradual than previously forecasted. In 13.6 per cent in 20207 (compared to 1.1 value chain and supply chains. Malaysia 2021, global growth is projected at 5.4 percent decline recorded in 2019). cannot escape the global economic percent. The impact on selected regional downturn resulting from the declining economies is shown in Table 1 below: Malaysia’s FDI inflow has also been seeing international trade and investment. Table 1 Projected Real GDP Growth 2020 and 2021, (IMF and World Bank where indicated) The article first discusses the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the global and Malaysian economy. This is followed by the discussion on the role of economic diplomacy to assist Malaysia on the road to the economic recovery Post- Pandemic.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Economy

The preventive behaviour of individual Source: IMF World Economic Outlook April 2020, https://www.imf.org/external/ datamapper/NGDP_RPCH@WEO/OEMDC/ enforced by the national governments’ ADVEC/WEOWORLD, last accessed 24 June 2020; and World Economic Outlook, June 2020 Update. preventive measures to contain the Malaysia, as an open economy is some challenges, with some downward Covid-19 pandemic contributes to cognisant of the declining world trade trend in the recent years. Comparatively, the sharp decline in the economies and foreign direct investment. The World Malaysia is facing intense competition around the world. These preventive Trade Organization (WTO) estimated from ASEAN peers. COVID-19 brought measures contribute to the sharp world merchandise trade to shrink further risks to Malaysia’s investment declines in the domestic demand, lower between -12.9% and -31.9% in 2020 scene. COVID-19 enhances Malaysia’s tourism, business travel trade, and (2019: -0.1%) due to the COVID-19 FDI risk exposures due to the high rate global connectivity by air and sea in all pandemic. Trade is only anticipated to of Covid-19 infections in Malaysia’s countries. These three factors in return rebound around 21.3% to 24% in 2021.4 trading partners and FDI sources. Based cause the decline in the global trade, The COVID-19 results in a projected fall on United Nations Conference on Trade global production linkages, production in global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Development (UNCTAD), FDI’s networks, global consumption, and the by more than 40 percent in 2020, and weighted average between 2013-2017, disruption in the supply-chains.1 the developing Asia faces a 45 percent 14.7 percent of FDI came from the US

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(as of 13 May 2020, 1,322,054 cases), on these opportunities to enhance its negotiating several other FTAs, and is 5.2 percent from Switzerland (30,297 economic recovery by encouraging encouraged to sign and ratify FTAs to cases), 4.8 percent from Germany more international trade and FDI into the attract more trade and investments into (171,306 cases), and 3.7 percent country. Economic diplomacy has an Malaysia. from South Korea (10,962 cases). The important role to play to assist Malaysia highly impacted sectors are consumer towards full economic recovery and In investment promotion and facilitation, cyclicals, basic materials, and industrials. look for new trade and investment Malaysian Investment Development opportunities post pandemic. Economic Authority (MIDA) has been granted an To add to the Covid-19 caused by diplomacy encompasses a broad additional budget under the PENJANA economic downturn, economies all concept of diplomacy and economic to attract more investments into over the world are also concerned with policy that leads to the cross-utilisation Malaysia. MIDA is also given the task protectionist measures. The leaders are of diplomacy, economics, and politics. to attract investors who would like to generally concerned about the free flow There is no standard or universal relocate their investments and diversify of vital medical supplies and equipment, definition of “economic diplomacy”. The their supply chains. MIDA has been critical agricultural products, and other term “economic diplomacy” influences focusing on attracting investments in essential goods and services across the practice of diplomacy from two high value-added, technology intensive, borders.8 On 23 April 2020, WTO reports separate angles, that is the utilisation and knowledge-based economy into that 80 countries and customs territories of economy and economic position to the country. Among new growth areas have introduced export prohibitions and pursue a country’s agenda through the demarcated by Malaysia includes restrictions due to Covid-19. It draws practice of diplomacy; and on the flip technologies associated with the IR attention to the lack of transparency at is the use of diplomacy by a country 4.0 such as big data, cloud computing, the multilateral level and the long-term to pursue economic interests in or with Internet of Things, and artificial risks that export restrictions pose to the another country. intelligence. global supply chains and public welfare.9 The efforts to enhance exports and In trade promotion, MATRADE may Hence, the Leaders and Ministers promote Malaysia as an FDI destination identify key sectors to invigorate in charge of trade in ASEAN, APEC, is a collective one, without any exclusivity exports including market diversification. and G20 called for a free, fair, non- to any particular organisation. Malaysia MATRADE may categorise them within discriminatory, transparent, predictable must start early to promote Malaysia’s the domestic supply chains and provide and stable trade, and investment products for exports and diversify export assistance to the exporters to generate environment and to take measures markets whilst looking for new FDIs in value. Most obvious is to promote to facilitate trade in essential goods existing and new promoted sectors. essential sectors i.e. medical devices and and address non-tariff barriers. Trade promotion, investment promotion, food sectors, whilst continue working Any emergency measures to tackle and economic diplomacy must be on sectors that have already generated COVID-19, if deemed necessary, must seen as an integral part of Malaysia’s exports (Electrical and Electronics (E&E), be targeted, proportionate, transparent, positioning as an important trade and Chemical, pre-packaged food, etc). In and temporary, and that they do not investment powerhouse. Diplomatic diversifying the market, Malaysia should create unnecessary barriers to trade or missions under the Ministry of Foreign look closer to home. It should encourage disruption to global supply chains, and Affairs (MFA) should also be roped more intra-ASEAN trade whilst seeking are consistent with the rules of the WTO. in to support trade and investment more intra-ASEAN investments. Some promotions in locations where MITI ASEAN member states can be linked to The Role of Economic Diplomacy in agencies are not directly represented. the Malaysian value chains and supply the Economic Recovery chains. Several regional peers are already Nevertheless, behind a crisis, there taking aggressive steps towards Conclusions is an opportunity. The widespread promoting economic recovery. For restrictions on the movement of people example, Singapore has signed several The Covid-19 pandemic came pose new trends in working and life agreements with Brunei, Chile, and unexpectedly and has caused the global habits such as working-from-home, New Zealand to promote open trade, economy to suffer a sudden downturn. online learning, and broader adoption free flow of logistics, and enhancement This incident is totally unprecedented of online meetings. The changing trend in digital trade. Malaysia could also be and requires a strong policy decision contributes to the upward trend in trade, looking at taking similar steps. In terms to overcome the challenges. The digital technology, communication of international trade policy, apart from challenges are two-folds, i.e. covid- technology, and e-commerce related being a member of the WTO, ASEAN, caused and covid-pushed, meaning services. and APEC, Malaysia also signed seven the Covid-19 exacerbates an already bilateral FTAs and seven regional FTAs existing problem. One of the main Malaysia needs to be able to capitalise through ASEAN. Malaysia is actively policy decisions is to employ and

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practise economic diplomacy to gain the 3 International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2020a), 7 Bank Negara Malaysia (2020), Economic and World Economic Outlook 2020, June 2020, Monetary Review 2019. maximum benefits from the opportunities https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/ posed by the changes in the economic Issues/2020/06/24/WEOUpdateJune2020 8 ASEAN (2020), Declaration of the Special ASEAN Summit on Coronavirus Disease 2019 activities and interests post-pandemic. 4 World Trade Organisation (WTO) (2020a), (COVID-19) (14 April 2020). The economic diplomacy has to employ Covid-19 and the World Trade, Retrieved on 5 April 2020 from https://www.wto.org/english/ 9 World Trade Organisation (2020b), WTO Report “whole government” approach. tratop_e/covid19_e/covid19_e.htm finds growing number of restrictions in response to Covid-19 crisis. https://wto.org/english 5 International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2020b), Endnotes World Economic Outlook 2020, April 2020, https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/ ------

1 Issues/2020/04/14/weo-april-2020 Asian Development Bank (2020), ADB Briefs Professor Dr. Sufian Jusoh is Director of No, 128, the Economic Impact of the Covid-19 6 World Bank Group (2020b). Global Investment Outbreak in Developing Asia, 6 March 2020. International Trade and Investment at the Institute Competitiveness Report 2019/2020: Rebuilding of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Investor Confidence in Time of Uncertainty. 2 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. World Bank. (2020a). East Asia Pacific Washington, DC: World Bank Group. Economic Update April 2020: COVID-19 and the doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1536-2. EAP Region.

Malaysia’s and Asia’s Success in Curbing the COVID-19 Pandemic Roy Anthony Rogers Peter Rogers

The Malaysian government is actively tourists, and religious people to be for this purpose. For example, on 13 working to curb the spread of the stranded. The task of bringing citizens April 2020, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin COVID-19 virus. Various domestic and back safely is up to the Ministry of contacted Dr. S Jaishankar, Minister of international efforts have been taken Foreign Affairs. Currently the Malaysian External Affairs of India via telephone by the authorities. Among the local government has 110 delegates to speak on bilateral relations between measures include the implementation worldwide. To bring back citizens from the two countries.3 Among the issues of the Movement Control Order (MCO) abroad, Malaysian representatives discussed was the repatriation of 2,876 throughout the country as well as the must get the cooperation from the host Malaysians stranded in India. Dato’ People’s Concerned Economic Stimulus government. Seri Hishammuddin expressed his (Prihatin)1 package announced by Prime appreciation to the government of India Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin to help Malaysian diplomats working at for allowing 18 flights to bring Malaysian citizens survive this trying time. Malaysian embassies need to obtain citizens home. support from agencies in the host country However, internationally, not many such as the immigration department, Apart from that, Dato’ Seri people are aware that the Ministry of health department, police, and airlines Hishammudin had a phone discussion Foreign Affairs or better known as Wisma to smoothen the repatriation process. with several colleagues such as Dinesh Putra, through Malaysian representatives The process of bringing home citizens is Gunawardena, Minister of Foreign around the world, has been directly not easy without the existence of friendly Relations of Sri Lanka,4 and Makhdoom involved. Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts in diplomatic relations between Malaysia Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistani5 facing the COVID-19 pandemic can be and foreign countries. This involves the Foreign Minister regarding the return divided into two. Firstly, bringing home ability of Malaysian diplomats to interact of their citizens due to the COVID-19 citizens stranded abroad. Secondly, with host government officials to work pandemic. This is an example of a intensifying bilateral cooperation in the together. personal diplomacy where a Foreign field of medical research with other Minister acts by himself to make phone countries such as China, South Korea, At the same time, in return as a calls and forge friendship to obtain the Russia, India, and Bosnia to produce a sign of appreciation, the Malaysian cooperation of other countries. cure or vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. government is always prepared to In addition, Malaysia is also stepping assist and cooperate with foreign Since the spread of the COVID-19 virus up multilateral cooperation to curb the delegates to bring home their own as well as movement control orders, COVID-19 pandemic through ASEAN citizens who are stranded in Malaysia. citizens stranded in China, India, Iran, and WHO.2 Apart from that, the Minister of Foreign Indonesia, Italy, Turkey, Pakistan, Sri Affairs, The Honourable Dato’ Seri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Brunei Most countries in the world have Hishammuddin Tun Hussein himself Darussalam, Philippines, Australia, declared movement control orders. used diplomatic relations and his New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, This has caused many Malaysians who initiative as the Malaysian Foreign Chad, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan, are abroad as employees, students, Minister to contact his counterparts Morocco, Egypt, and Peru have been

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brought back to Malaysia – thanks to The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs US countries. In early January, when the hard work of all Wisma Putra staff. also channelled humanitarian aid to the situation in Wuhan, China became Credit must be given to the diplomats countries that are facing challenges increasingly serious, neighbouring in foreign delegations and Malaysia’s in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic. countries such as South Korea and Foreign Minister for this success. For example, the Prime Minister, Tan Japan began to block travel with China Sri has contacted as well as intensify the COVID-19 In addition to Malaysian citizens, the President Šefik Džaferović, President detection test. Secondly, the experience government also brought back citizens of Bosnia Herzegovina10 and agreed to of Asian countries in facing previous of other countries on the same flight. provide humanitarian assistance to the epidemics such as SARS, MERS, Zika For example, on 24 April 2020, the people of Bosnia Herzegovina who are virus, and dengue fever has taught us Malaysian government facilitated the severely affected by medical equipment to always be alert. Wearing a face mask return of 17 Indonesian citizens, 6 constraints. In addition, the Prime was already a common practice prior Singaporeans, 9 Japanese, and 2 South Minister has also received calls from to the transmission of COVID-19 – it is Koreans who were stranded in Morocco President Mahmoud Abbas, President of common for people who have a cough together with Malaysian citizens.6 Upon Palestine where they exchanged views or cold to wear one when they are in arrival in Malaysia, they subsequently on developments in the Middle East. In public. Therefore, when the COVID-19 boarded a connecting flight to return addition, President Mahmoud Abbas pandemic started spreading in Asia, to their respective countries. Similarly, requested for humanitarian assistance there was no issue among Asians in the Singapore government extended from the Malaysian government in the wearing a face mask as compared to the their assistance to bring back a group face of the COVID-19 pandemic.11 West. In addition, government agencies of Malaysians along with Singaporeans in Asia such as the Ministry of Health, who were stranded in Saudi Arabia.7 Wisma Putra through overseas police, and military are better prepared This clearly symbolises the spirit of delegates is trying to convince foreign to face the virus transmission crisis ASEAN solidarity as well as the close investors to continue investing in because they already have the practice relationship between Malaysia and Malaysia by providing a true picture of dealing with disease outbreaks. Singapore. of the economic scenario as well as the policy taken by the government to Thirdly, the leadership of Asian leaders Apart from repatriating citizens, Wisma curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. is more pro-active because they are Putra together with the Ministry of Health Malaysian diplomats abroad are also prepared to take drastic measures such and the Ministry of Science, Technology exploring investment opportunities for as declaring a motion control command and Innovation (MOSTI) are also actively Malaysian companies to help restore to control the spread of COVID-19. Not strengthening scientific cooperation the country’s economy in the aftermath only that, the leaders in Asia themselves with foreign countries to find solutions to of the COVID-19 pandemic. role model by often being seen wearing curb the COVID-19 virus. For example, face masks and gloves – hence, it is through the efforts of Wisma Putra, It is interesting to note that the unsurprising that the citizens emulate Bosnia, India, and Turkey have agreed to transmission of the COVID-19 virus their actions. For example, the Prime supply Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and has shown significant differences in the Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin work with the Ministry of Health Malaysia ways and outcomes of countries in Asia was seen wearing a face mask during through the National Pharmaceutical such as China, Japan, South Korea, a gathering at the Prime Minister’s Regulatory Division (NPRA) for expert and Malaysia compared to countries Department, in the parliament, and exchange and laboratory studies. in the West such as the United States other inauguration ceremonies. Russia has also expressed a desire to (US), Britain, Italy, France, Canada, and Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping share expertise with Malaysia through Germany. Statistically, Asian countries and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo the Joint Malaysia-Russia Commission have been found to be more successful Abe have always been seen wearing for Economic, Scientific Technical in controlling the transmission of face masks. and Cultural Cooperation (ESTC).8 It COVID-19 virus as well as lowering the is noteworthy to mention that Wisma mortality rates than European and North Fourthly, cultural and traditional factors Putra has taken its own initiatives to American countries. The question is play a part. In the West, the aspect of provide necessary assistances to the how can such a phenomenon occur? individual freedom is more important Malaysian missions abroad. This is What is the ‘secret’ of the success of than the common interest. As a result, done through Malaysia’s Diplomatic Asian countries in facing the COVID-19 many people in Western countries Equipment Stockpile (MDES). Foreign pandemic? This article lists five key such as the US openly object to the Minister, Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin factors. movement control order because they emphasised that MDES was established view it as a violation of their right to as Wisma Putra did not wish to burden Firstly, the level of crisis preparedness freedom. In fact, they staged a street the government further by obtaining and management in Asia is more demonstration in large numbers without equipment for its frontline personnel.9 robust compared to European and wearing face masks and refused to use

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hand sanitizers as a sign of protest. In conclusion, COVID-19 is a pandemic 6 Kepulangan Rakyat Malaysia yang Terkandas di Luar Negara, (2020), https://www.kln.gov.my/ To them, protecting their individual that attacks regardless of race, web/guest/-/kepulangan-rakyat-malaysia-yang- rights is more crucial than the mass nationality or religion. However, it is terkandas-di-luar-negara. Accessed 10 July 2020. spreading of the COVID-19 virus. On very clear that the Asian countries are the other hand, the people of Asia are more resilient and successful in facing 7 Ibid. more compliant because they value the it compared to Western societies. 8 https://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/speeches- statements/-/asset_publisher/mN2jZPwqWjGA/ common good and not just the interests Well done and congratulations to the content/kenyataan-media-yb-dato-seri- of the individual. This may also be due frontline heroes consisting of medical hishammuddin-tun-hussein-inter-ministerial- collaboration-cluster-on-covid-19-vaccine-and- to the traditional and religious beliefs practitioners, security forces, leaders in medication-development-through-i?redirect=%2 in Asia that place more importance on Malaysia and rest of Asia!. Fweb%2Fguest%2Fspeeches-statements&inheri tRedirect=true. Accessed 20 July 2020. community-orientation compared to 9 the Western culture which prioritises Endnotes Covid-19 aid pouring in for Wisma Putra’s MDES initiative, (2020), https://www.nst.com.my/news/ secularism and individualism. 1 https://www.pmo.gov.my ; Ucapan nation/2020/04/582783/covid-19-aid-pouring- Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, wisma-putras-mdes-initiative. Accessed 10 July (2020) https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/ 2020. The fifth largest manufacturer of health nasional/2020/04/673734/ucapan-perdana- 10 products such as gloves, face masks, menteri-tan-sri-muhyiddin-yassin. Accessed 15 Two Million Protective Mask Sent by Malaysia July 2020. Arrived to Sarajevo on Wednesday, (2020), and COVID-19 test equipment is https://www.sarajevotimes.com/two-million- 2 protective-masks-sent-by-malaysia-to-arrive- located in Asia such as China, Vietnam, COVID-19: Kerjasama 3 kementerian pastikan Malaysia peroleh vaksin, (2020), to-sarajevo-on-wednesday/. Accessed 22 July and Malaysia. This advantage benefits https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/ 2020.

nasional/2020/04/679946/covid-19-kerjasama- 11 Asian countries because it enables 3-kementerian-pastikan-malaysia-peroleh- Malaysian PM, Palestine President discusses health equipment to be exported and vaksin. Accessed 7 July 2020. ties, COVID-19 over phone call, (2020), https:// www.pmo.gov.my/2020/04/malaysian-pm- shared. For example, Malaysia as one 3 https://www.kln.gov.my/web/guest/-/ palestine-president-discusses-ties-covid-19- of the largest glove manufacturers in telephone-conversation-between-honourable- over-phone-call/. Accessed 19 July 2020. dato-seri-hishammuddin-tun-hussein-minister- the world has helped to send the stock of-foreign-affairs-malaysia-and-his-excellency-dr------of gloves to China during the spread s-jaishankar-m. Accessed 13 July 2020. of COVID-19 in January and February. 4 Eighty-one Malaysian stranded in Sri Lanka to Dr. Roy Anthony Rogers Peter Rogers is Senior When Malaysia faced the problem of return home tomorrow, (2020), https://www. Lecturer at the Department of International and bernama.com/en/general/news_covid-19. Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social shortage of face masks in March and php?id=1831457. Accessed 17 July 2020. Sciences, . early April, China as a major face mask 5 http://mofa.gov.pk/telephone-conversation- manufacturer reciprocated by sending between-the-foreign-minister-and-foreign- minister-of-malaysia/. Accessed 15 July 2020. its stock to Malaysia.

Understanding the French State of Mind Syed Nizamuddin Sayed Khassim

France is definitely not a newcomer when Paris spoke. While some may have and Germany’s mission was to harness when it comes to world politics. One argued that the post-war Intellectuals the power of all things Germanic, also does not stretch the fact too much have lost its chutzpah – the intellectual (France) is charged with representing by saying that it was the French who laid DNA of France, long embedded within the cause of humanity”. the framework for modern international its psyche remains, even if it is dormant. politics. The diplomatic strategies laid This desire to preach a ‘universalist down by Cardinals Mazarin and Richelieu An ancient and avid player in world message’ became second nature to in the early 17th century managed to alter politics, France internalised this image the French polity ever since the days the functioning of international order by and subsequently believe in its own of the kings. These messages may putting nation-states as the main player propensity as the world’s philospoher. vary between Kings and Presidents: of international politics. The intermingling of philosophy, self- Catholicism, republican values, identity and national interest within ‘civilisation’ and human rights are among The French are an intellectual lot. The France’s foreign policy should come the values preached by France through likes of René Descartes, Jean-Jacques as no surprise. Since the dawn of the the ages. This tradition continues until Rousseau, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Enlightenment, French philosophers today, where President Emmanuel Beauvoir and Albert Camus are put on a from Descartes to Camus spewed ideas Macron relied on France’s long history similar pedestal, if not higher than those which are in essence universal, but to build its own foreign policy narrative. of military and political leaders. It came unashamedly French in flavour. Ernest This time, it chose to preach the gospel as no surprise that at the zenith of Paris Lavisse once noted that “while Rome’s of multilateralism. However, a country intellectual height – the world listened mission had been to conquer the world with long and conflicting history like

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France has many traditions to choose The European Union – conceived in Herein lies Malaysia’s challenge in from: either the pacifist left to the more the city of Paris – reflects the appeal addressing France’s leadership within assertive right. of French ideas. From the ashes of the the emerging multipolar world. As a Second World War – and when the world country built from the ashes of the British Quo vadis, Macron? was torn between capitalistic right of Empire – our diplomatic weltancshauung Anglo-America and the Soviet left: Jean as a state is very much shaped by Over the years, it became clear that Monnet, an economist and politician knowledge derived from the English President Macron’s foreign policy who was groomed with the intellectual speaking world, fused with our history of is eventually a reflection of his own tradition of the Paris Left Bank found the non-alliance and Islamic solidarity. With centrist approach. His right-wing belief European Common Market, a third way this background, we are faced with an in nuclear-deterrent mixed with a between communism and capitalism uphill task of understanding the French healthy dose of American scepticism that paved the way to the European worldview – let alone its paradoxes. and interventionist policy in Africa was Union. conveniently enmeshed with the leftist Regardless, therein lies the opportunities global governance and development It isn’t just the government and the that Malaysia must grasp vis-à-vis assistance to the developing countries. political class that are enraptured the French leadership of the EU in a But most importantly – they are all by French ideas– even the Western multipolar world. Malaysia can move French in character and reasoning, i.e. European general distrust towards the beyond the context of defence and they are done with intellectual fervour establishment or the government can education with regard to its bilateral and reasoning. be traced back to Descartes. Cartesian relationship with France. Indeed, dozens scepticism, now embedded within the of opportunities could be listed down Macron’s position on the idea of French psyche served as the cornerstone but for the purpose of this essay – I will European unity epitomised how France of the notion of “civic distrust,” which limit it to two areas of exploration. sees itself in a new multilateral order. fostered a critical attitude on the part Far from seeing the Euroepan Union as of citizens toward their rulers. French Aside from the obvious mutually active a threat that would submerge France’s radical and insurrectionary traditions participation in multilateral fora, one identity and capacity, Macron sees it as became the template and ideal of a of the probable areas of exploration a key to maintaining French sovereignty. democratic society. is archaeology. For the past 70 years, Drumming the idea of European France has made archeology one of defence, he sees that it is essential Within the international arena, we can its diplomatic instruments. Based on for France – along with Europe to part see these elements come into play. the premise of knowledge and skills ways on several aspects with the United Post-war France has always maintained transfers and continuous training of States and make their own mark in a a “civic distrust” of superpowers local, young archaeologists – France multipolar world. In this multipolar world, while preserving its prestige. This De successfully maintained its prestige as France sees itself as the leader of the Gaullian doctrine evolved according the protector of global heritage. Many European bloc. to the Presidency but remained as a might not know this but Malaysia too standard French foreign policy template. boast its own archaeological heritage While the European Union may have France, whether the government or that could benefit from France’s been a geographical convenience to its intellectuals have long detested active role in supporting worldwide some – to the French polity, the idea the idea of submitting itself to the US’ archaeological activities. The Sungai of European Unity goes beyond the dominance. Batu archeological site, once the centre unity of the inhabitants of a designated of Tua civilisation upended other physical terrain. To the French polity, The same pattern can be observed in sites in Southeast Asia as the cradle it means synchronising the European President Macron’s foreign policy. His of earliest civilisation in the region worldviews. French intelligentsias have constant insistent of being independent deserves such attention. Believed to rightfully pointed out that ‘French ideas’ from the United States with regard to have existed since 535 BC, Sungai have formed the template worldview of its defence is an echo of De Gaulle’s Batu was once a thriving international European countries for ages. From the American-skepticism. The Paris Peace entrepôt, an iron smelting hub, as well days of Louis XIV to the epoch of the Forum, which marked the centenary as a religious centre. The ancient port Enlightenment – the French language of the end of the First World War also city boasted 17 smelting plants, 13 was the language of the elites, while traced the same outline left by De administrative centres, numerous ritual its culture set the tempo for the rest of Gaulle, who aspired to lead a large sites, 10 jetties and 50 candis or ritual the European continent. French ideas group of non-aligned countries, built on sites. Archeologists have also confirmed and ideals are highly attractive to the the idea of multilateralism. that the Sungai Batu archaeological site rest of Europe; may they be royals, the is far older than Cambodia’s Angkor bourgeoisies, or the proletariats. Challenges and Opportunities to Wat and Indonesia’s Borobudur. Yet Malaysia’s Bilateral Relations despite its significance, the Sungai Batu

DIPLOMATIC VOICE | 9 FORUM archaeological site remains invisible simultaneously conducting Bahasa to dream a similar amount of budget for to the rest of the world, including Indonesia classes at its embassy. our cultural diplomacy, but it is worth France. Struggling with resources and Even Singapore made a point to ruminating how much further we could technical support, our archaeologists conduct annual exhibitions in France, go if more could be given to showcase and the French technical expertise including a Baba Nyonya showcase at our culture and heritage abroad. could definitely exchange invaluable the esteemed Musée du quai Branly – knowledge through a joint platform built Jacques Chirac. South Korea boasts a In essence, moving our relationship to preserve the Sungai Batu heritage. Korean Culture Centre in the middle of beyond the transactional trade and Paris. The reason for this is that Paris defence dimension would make it Second area of confluence is culture. is the cultural capital of the world, possible for the two countries to With advice from Jacques Rigaud, and perceptions towards a country understand one another closely. In the former Director of the French Minister of are formed by how one recognises a emerging multipolar world, it becomes Culture – France develops an egalitarian nation’s culture. Malaysia has a lot to more important for us to have more posture with regard to cultural learn from this dimension and needs to close friends on the global stage. diplomacy, particularly with regard to stop looking at investments in cultural France is definitely one of its friends that cultural exchange. In short – it is no propagation through the myopic lense Malaysia ought to lean closer to, but it longer solely about the spread of French of dollars and cents. is definitely difficult to get close without culture, but also about showcasing knowing one another intimately. As the other cultures in France. This opens Beyond palm oil and rubber, the Malay saying goes, tak kenal maka tak up an interesting avenue for other French public knows almost nothing cinta. It may be awkward at first as countries to deepen their relations with about Malaysia or her people. While we find the common rhythm, but over France. Japan, South Korea, Thailand our Embassy can participate in minor time – one would realise that it is not and Indonesia are known to capitalise cultural events – our efforts are easily too difficult to understand the Gallic on this aspect of diplomacy. Japan for outweighed by the huge budget temperament. C’est comme ça, alors! example, invested billions of Euros to allocated by other countries to their showcase different facades of its culture respective embassies. For comparison ------in France throughout the year – with purposes, the French Ministry for Syed Nizamuddin Sayed Khassim currently the opening graced by the presence Europe and Foreign Affairs allocate a serves at the Embassy of Malaysia, Paris, France. of the then-Crown Prince Naruhito in huge part of its 4.7 billion Euros budget 2018. Indonesia invested in gamelan to cultural, networking endeavours, and classes at the Philharmonie de Paris, foreign aids. It would be a parlour game

Meeting with Ambassador Frederic La Planche, Ambassador of France to Malaysia

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the Forum section are entirely the authors’ own and not those of the Institute.

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Briefing on Economic Development of by Mr. Muhammad Shahrul Engagement with the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), 13 July Hafidz Ab Rahim, 25-26 July

Group Photography with Dato’ Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, 27 August

DiD 2020 Participants at Mudtrekker Paintball Park, Shah Alam, 28 August

Briefing Session by the Malaysia-China Chambers of Commerce (MCCC), 20 July

Symbolic Tree Planting Ceremony by Ms. Hafizah Abdullah, Director of Centre for Competency Enhancement (CEC), 25 July Visit to United Nation Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) at Subang, 14 August

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Five DiD Participants Paying a Courtesy Visit on Mr. Luis Cacho Lopez de la Calzada, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Spain in , 16 July

Discussion Session by Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Director General of IDFR, 15 July

Master Chef Challenge with Dato’ Chef Ismail Ahmad, 12 August

Session on Preparation for Defending National Interest, 26 August

Panel Discussion on Malaysia’s Relations with Asia (Southeast Asia and East Asia) and the Oceania, 24 August

Drafting of UN Resolution by Mr. Zahid Rastam and Ms. Syuhada Adnan, DiD Participants at Kelab Golf Titiwangsa PDRM, 18-19 August 21 August

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Diploma in Diplomacy: Breakfast Talk Title of the Talk: Priorities of Management Services in Foreign Affairs Speaker: Datuk Rahimi Harun

Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) 2020 up of an operation room at the Ministry participants attended a Breakfast Talk had enabled the Ministry to address the with Datuk Rahimi Harun, Deputy urgent need of ensuring the wellbeing Secretary General of Management and the safety of Malaysians abroad. Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia on 27 July 2020 at VIP Dining Indeed, the Malaysian Missions abroad Hall, IDFR, Kuala Lumpur. had coordinated many repatriation flights to bring back Malaysians home The Breakfast Talk was organised by safely. As of date, the Government the Competency Enhancement Centre deliver the best services to the people. has successfully brought home more (CEC) and the DiD 2020 participants. Secondly, the importance of providing than 20,000 Malaysians stranded Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Director effective and efficient services to the in 82 countries due to the Covid-19 General of IDFR, Heads of Centre of Ministry’s stakeholders. Finally, the pandemic. IDFR as well as officials from CEC were importance of upskilling the officers (in also in attendance. diplomatic skills and foreign languages) The Department of Management in the Ministry and Missions abroad. Services oversees matters on During the Breakfast Talk, Datuk Rahimi Administration and Security; highlighted three important priorities of Datuk Rahimi also took the opportunity to Information and Communication the management services. Firstly, the underscore the vital role of Management Technology; Finance; Human importance of the adherence to the Services Department, especially during Resource Management; Inspectorate set rules and regulations in order to the Covid-19 pandemic. The setting- Development; and Account.

Diploma in Diplomacy: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme in Malacca

Competency Enhancement Centre DiD 2020 participants planted 14 International Port, and the High-Speed (CEC) and Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) Meranti Seraya trees and 15 Chengal Rail Project. He also encouraged the 2020 participants organised a Corporate trees. A Merbau tree was specially participants to help promote Malacca as Social Responsibility (CSR) programme planted to officiate the CSR programme one of the foreign investors’ destinations. in Malacca from 25 to 26 July 2020. at Malacca Botanical Garden. The program was witnessed by Ms. Norliza Overall, the DiD 2020 participants The main objective of the CSR Md., Deputy Director of Forestry and have developed greater awareness programme is to raise awareness on officials from the Department of Forestry on Malaysia’s forest reserve and sustainable forest management and of Malacca. sustainable forest management through development in line with the United the CSR programme and increased Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal In the afternoon, the participants their knowledge on the importance of No. 15 ‘Life on Land’. were briefed on Malacca’s economic foreign direct investment to the state’s development with special focus on the economic growth and prosperity. The CSR Programme commenced with state’s economic recovery plan post a briefing by Mr. Syahir Afizi Abd Aziz, COVID-19. Mr. Muhammad Shahrul Forest Assistant, Department of Forestry Hafidz Ab Rahim, Principal Assistant Malacca on Malaysia’s forest diversity Secretary, Malacca State Economic and forest preservation efforts. He Planning Unit also shared the state’s highlighted Malacca’s effort in preserving success stories in promoting foreign its rainforest’s rich biodiversity through investment into Malacca including the the various initiatives. latest development in several of its mega projects such as the Malacca Subsequently, the CEC officials and the Waterfront Economic Zone, Kuala Linggi

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Diploma in Diplomacy: Briefing Session by the Malaysia- China Chambers of Commerce (MCCC) The Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) 2020 emphasised that the appointment participants visited the Malaysia-China of a Prime Minister’s Special Envoy Chambers of Commerce (MCCC) office to China has helped to foster closer on 20 July 2020. The participants were relations between and Beijing, received by Dato’ Joseph Lim Heng Ee, particularly in opening up more business Vice President of the MCCC and his opportunities and joint ventures. MCCC officials. highlighted the appointment of a Special Envoy has ensured that business events In his presentation, Dato’ Joseph Lim across China would be represented at a elaborated on MCCC’s major role in the record high of USD124 billion. higher level of representation. connecting the businesses between Malaysia and China. Founded in 1990, Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, MCCC In his closing remarks, Dato’ Joseph MCCC was established as a non- was of the view that with the rapid Lim expressed MCCC’s appreciation governmental, non-profit, multi-ethnic, development of digitisation, Malaysia for the cooperation and support from and independent business association and China can continue to prosper the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, that promotes interaction, cooperation, through proper economic integration the People’s Republic of China as well and development in businesses, trade, under the Belt and Road Initiative as all Consulate Generals of Malaysia and investment between Malaysia and (BRI). Dato’ Joseph Lim added that the in China. He wished the DiD 2020 China stakeholder. Dato’ Joseph Lim deepening cooperation in various fields participants success in their future highlighted that China remains Malaysia’s will bring about a win-win outcome and postings abroad and looked forward largest trading partner, followed by benefit for the future generations. to continually engaging with future Singapore and the US. In 2019, Malaysian diplomats. Malaysia-China bilateral trade reached During the interactive session, MCCC

Diploma in Diplomacy: Engagement with the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) international companies. Its members also work closely with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and other Ministries and agencies on a range of policy related issues.

Following the briefing, the DiD 2020 participants had an interactive session with the CEO of AMCHAM on various issues, including AMCHAM’s strategy to attract business and investment during the Movement Control Order (MCO) and post-COVID 19.

The engagement session between the DiD 2020 participants and the AMCHAM The Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) 2020 Sobhian Das, Chief Executive was timely as it helped the participants participants visited the American Officer (CEO) of AMCHAM. In her understand better AMCHAM’s important Malaysian Chamber of Commerce presentation, Ms. Sobhian briefed role in generating economic growth in (AMCHAM) on 13 July 2020 to gain that AMCHAM has been the “Voice Malaysia. insight into the role and functions of of US Business in Malaysia” since AMCHAM. 1978 and comprises of more than 1200 members representing about The briefing was conducted by Ms. 280 American, Malaysian, and other

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Webinar on “COVID-19: Best Government Practices in Malaysia and the UAE” On 10 August 2020, IDFR, in looking forward for more collaboration collaboration with Rabdan Academy, with the Malaysian government in a leading educational institution future and added that learning from specialising in security, defence, and each other will enable both countries emergency preparedness in the United to succeed in any future challenge. In Arab Emirates (UAE), organised a her presentation, Dr. Wan Noraini Wan virtual discussion seminar focusing on Mohamed Noor, Head of Surveillance the experiences and best practices Sector, Disease Control Division, of both countries in managing and Ministry of Health Malaysia, outlined six responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. key strategic approaches that Malaysia The webinar, entitled “COVID-19: Best has adopted in the fight against Government Practices in Malaysia and COVID-19. They are surveillance and the UAE”, covered three major themes; public health intervention, diagnostic policing system, healthcare, and and testing, Movement Control Order international relations. It also highlighted pandemic. Spokespersons from both (MCO), evidence-based approach/ the diplomatic relation between Malaysia countries shared how law enforcement WHO guidelines, risk communication, and the UAE and was moderated by Dr. officers operate and enforce law and and isolation and treatment. She also Shamma Al Naqbi, Program Chair for order as well as dispersing crowds mentioned the vital role played by the Foundation and General Education. and gatherings. Both speakers also National Security Council (NSC), an agreed that government policies agency under the Prime Minister’s Opening the session, H.E. Sultan related to COVID-19 should be clearly Department and headed by the Prime Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant communicated to all law enforcement Minister, in coordinating Malaysia’s Minister for International Development officers. Additionally, they elaborated on response to COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Affairs, stressed on the need to move the role of law enforcement in informing Wan Noraini then shared the Malaysian forward together by sharing expertise the public about the current restrictions roadmap to fight COVID-19 which are and knowledge on best practices in and encouraging individuals to comply working together to adopt the whole- facing not just the COVID-19 pandemic with the state and local emergency of-government and whole-of-society but also future crises. He said that the health declarations. approaches, putting in continuous existing collaboration is important and strengthens the international relations between both countries to face this challenge. On a related note, Dato’ Kamarudin Jaffar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that knowledge sharing between the Malaysian and UAE governments would be necessary for both countries in preparation for future crises. He added that the initiative to organise the seminar is an impetus for meaningful future relations and deeper cooperation between the two countries and expressed his hope that this will pave the way for more similar collaborations between Malaysia and the UAE. With regard to the health care system effort towards reducing the morbidity The webinar featured keynote speakers of both countries in responding to and mortality due to COVID-19, such as Colonel Abdulrahman Ali COVID-19, Dr. Farida Al Hosaini, the and providing continuous reminder Al Mansouri, Director General of Ministry official spokesperson for healthcare about how everyone must play his/ Affairs at the Ministry of Interior and sector in the UAE, praised the strategic her part in practising the new normal. DCP Dato’ Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, relations between Malaysia and UAE Secretary of Royal Malaysia Police, in producing successful efforts and With reference to diplomacy and who spoke on the issue of policing responses in containing the spread of international relations in addressing system in addressing COVID-19 COVID-19. She said that the UAE is COVID-19 pandemic, Mohamed

DIPLOMATIC VOICE | 15 NEWS

Al-Qurtasi, Director of Operations relationships, and effective diplomacy and its effects. Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs are essential to overcome this crisis. He and International Cooperation, said that further added that both countries have On the whole, the webinar reflected the COVID-19 pandemic presents an done remarkable and distinguished the close bilateral relationship between era defining challenge to public health work in dealing with the COVID-19 Malaysia and the UAE. Both countries and the global economy. It is imperative crisis. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of agreed to learn from each other to for both countries to cooperate in Malaysia, he said, had facilitated the combat the global spread of COVID-19. more knowledge sharing, more global return of 12,000 Malaysian citizens who The seminar managed to attract the cooperation, and therefore a global were stuck abroad and succeeded in participation of 250 officials, decision- concerted effort. On a similar note, bringing them home through evacuation makers, and experts in ministries and Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Chief of trips, in addition to the assistance government institutions from the two Protocol cum Head of COVID-19 Task that Malaysia worked for with the countries. Force, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said international community as well as with that international collaboration, strong the UAE, to overcome the pandemic

International Negotiation Course for Junior Level Officer

Prime Minister’s Department, Ministry of preparing, discussing, clarifying goals, International Trade and Industry, Royal negotiating towards a win-win outcome, Police of Malaysia, and Malaysia Palm agreement, and implementing courses Oil Board. Ms. Shanta Nagendram, of action. They were also introduced Principal Consultant of SkillFocus to the concept of BATNA – the best Consultancy was invited to conduct the alternative to a negotiated agreement. course held at the Dorsett Hotel, Kuala A successful negotiator should also be Lumpur. more sensible over cultural, social, and ethical issues while discussing over Negotiation is a method by which The course aimed to expose the differences. people settle differences, search participants to the negotiation skills for other alternatives, as well as in the global setting, as well as share Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Director discuss further in achieving win- the experiences and the advanced General of IDFR accompanied by win objectives. It is a process where knowledge on international negotiations. Mr. Hamizan Hashim, Director of compromise or agreement is reached This course can also be deployed LNPD, delivered his closing remarks while avoiding argument and dispute. as an additional knowledge for the and presented the certificates to the In any disagreement, individuals participants before they will be directly participants during the closing ceremony understandably aim to achieve the best involved in any negotiating exercises on the last day of the course. possible outcome for their position in representing their organisation in or perhaps an organisation they the international platform. Mr. Istaq represent. However, the principles of Nadzril Abd Kader, Director of ASEAN fairness, seeking mutual benefit, and Political and Security Community, the maintaining a relationship are the keys ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat, to a successful outcome. Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also invited to deliver his lecture on Personal IDFR successfully hosted the Experience in International Negotiation. International Negotiation Course for Junior Level Officers from 21 to 23 In order to achieve a desirable outcome, July 2020. This course was specially it may be useful to follow a structured designed for the junior officers from approach to negotiation. For example, in grade 41 to 44 in developing their a work situation a meeting may need to negotiation, self-confidence, andbe arranged in which all parties involved effective communication skills. This can come together. Participants were course was attended by 31 participants exposed to the process of negotiation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which includes several stages of

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Economic Diplomacy Series 1/2020 Title of the Lecture: Malaysia and COVID-19: From Lockdown to Economic Recovery Speaker: Dr. Firas Raad

Economic Diplomacy Series 1/2020 was held on 9 July 2020. The fruitful and informative session was presented by Dr. Firas Raad, Country Manager for Malaysia, East Asia and Pacific, World Bank Group on the topic of Malaysia and COVID-19: From Lockdown to Economic Recovery. The Economic Diplomacy Series, usually conducted twice a year, aims to provide a platform for knowledge and information sharing on current issues and gauge the understanding of their impact on Malaysia’s economy. Dr. Firas described that in the first 31 August 2020, although being the As we are currently in an unprecedented quarter of 2020, the world faced a highest number of infected cases crisis: which is the fight against the supply and demand shock that had in Southeast Asia in the beginning. COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Firas’ resulted in a synchronised collapse of lecture focused on several key points; global economic activity which then During the lecture, Dr. Firas the global economic impact of the led to the simultaneous lockdown applauded the Malaysian government COVID-19 pandemic and Malaysia’s across the world. Only those deemed for successfully mounting an effective public health response. He then further as essential services were allowed to public health response, which was explained the impact on the Malaysian operate in Malaysia to minimise physical its major priority right from the economy, economic support measures contact, the country then slowly saw beginning. He added that Malaysia’s and recovery plan, the outlook for a decline in positive cases as it enters hospital system was not threatened economic growth as well as the laying the Recovery Movement Control Order by being overwhelmed with patients of foundations for structural changes. (RMCO) period which would last till that contracted the virus. However, he cautioned that the people must still be vigilant and mindful of the possibility of resurgence of cases. He further explained that Malaysia is currently making a comeback on recovering the economy as compared to several Southeast Asian countries based on the exponential graph of Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

The session was held via Google Meet and participated by various party representatives from, among others, ministries, foreign missions, universities, think tanks, and financial institutions as well as students from IDFR’s Diploma in Diplomacy programme. News Contributors

Norlela Samad, Ezrin Balqis Abd Lataf, Johan Arief Jaafar, Fatin Zafirah Haris, Maisarah Ariffin, Haris Azman, Nur Atiqa Md Akim, Amirul Khairi Mustafa Bakri

DIPLOMATIC VOICE | 17 IN AND AROUND IDFR

Courtesy Call by H.E. Ary Norton de Murat Quintella, Ambassador of Brazil DiD Participants’ Visit to United Nation Humanitarian Response to Malaysia, 17 August Depot (UNHRD) at Subang, 14 August

Fundamentals of English Language for Administrative Assistants of the Among the Participants at the Presentation Skills Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 24 July for the Workplace Course, 10-13 August,

IDFR Lecture Series 1/2020, 6 August Lets Share Session@IDFR, 13 July

Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Chief of Protocol, at Webinar on “COVID-19: Best Government Practices in Malaysia and the International Negotiation Course for Junior Level Officers, 21-23 UAE”, 10 August July

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Participants of Advanced Diploma (Level 3) in Teaching, Training and Courtesy Call by Tan Sri Razali Ismail and Datuk Kenneth Luis Assessing Learning (TETRA) from the United Nations Association Malaysia (UNAM), 26 June

Associate Professor Dr. Norraihan Zakaria’s Session with DiD 2020 Participants, Webinar on “EU Governance and Policies”, 14 July 24 July

Farewell Celebration for Mr. Mohd Suhaimi Ahmad Breakfast Talk with Datuk Rahimi Harun, Deputy Secretary General of Tajuddin, Director, Competency Enhancement Management Services, 27 July Centre (CEC), 6 July

Master Chef Challenge Among DiD Participants, 12 August

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Visit to the Malaysian Spanish Chamber of Commerce & Industry (La Dato’ Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, at Dinner Talk, 27 Camara), 16 July August

DiD Participants Visited Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park, 26 July Breakfast Session with Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid, Director General of IDFR, 1 July

Group Photography with Datuk Rahimi Harun, Deputy Secretary General of Tunku Zain Al-Abidin, Founding President of Management Services, 27 July IDEAS, at IDFR Lecture Series 1/2020, 6 August

IDFR Lecture Series 1/2020 International Negotiation Course for Junior Level Officers, 21-23 July

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