Transformations of Malaysian Policy Toward Southeast Asia After 2020: A Study of Interests, Tools, and Future Prospects

Abstract

This study analyzes the transformations in Malaysia’s foreign policy toward Southeast Asian countries after 2020, in light of the rapid changes in both the regional and international systems, which prompted Malaysia to reconsider its strategic priorities. The study is based on the hypothesis that these shifts were a response to political, economic, and security-related changes that led Malaysia to adopt a more pragmatic and balanced foreign policy, characterized by diverse tools and comprehensive interests.

The research focused on three main areas. The first examined Malaysia’s new and evolving interests: politically, in maintaining regional stability; economically, through enhancing integration within ASEAN; and in terms of security, by securing maritime routes and addressing non-traditional threats. The second part explored the tools Malaysia has used to achieve these interests, including multilateral diplomacy, regional economic blocs, and security cooperation. The third part assessed the future prospects of Malaysian policy by analyzing opportunities to strengthen its regional role, the challenges it faces, and potential scenarios for the development of this role.

The study concludes that Malaysia’s policy is likely to continue along a path of pragmatic balance, maintaining regional partnerships and cautiously engaging with major powers, in order to safeguard its national interests and reinforce its regional standing.