PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today launched the Foreign Policy Framework of the New Malaysia and said it will serve as a guide for the country in conducting its foreign policy in a rapidly changing and challenging world.
He said the basic elements of the foreign policy remain unchanged and the difference now is the way Malaysia will approach certain issues affecting its interests under the three approaches outlined by the framework.
“Hence, the overarching theme of this Framework is ‘Change in Continuity’. This will be the direction of the implementation of our foreign policy.
“We are living in a world where changes take place at a rapid pace. These changes bring both challenges and opportunities. It is, therefore, only logical that Malaysia does not stick to the traditional methods of engagements and instead proactively seeks to explore new approaches,” he said when launching the framework, here.
Also present at the launch were Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah; Minister of Economic Affairs Datuk Seri Azmin Ali; Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources Xavier Jayakumar; Minister of Primary Industries Teresa Kok; Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Marzuki Yahya; Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
Describing the framework as a living document, the prime minister said he is confident the 80-page framework will also become a valuable source of reference not just for Malaysian diplomats but to all parties interested in Malaysia’s foreign policy.
“This framework, to my mind, has captured the essence of the foreign policy direction of the current administration.
“More importantly, it has also captured the salient issues that I raised in my speech at the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly last year,” he said.
Dr Mahathir gave the assurance that Malaysia will continue to pursue an independent, principled and pragmatic foreign policy, founded on the values of peace, humanity, justice and equality.
He said Malaysia also believes in maintaining friendly relations with all countries and peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law and norms. – Bernama
