Factor That Shape and Influences Mfr

MFR Final Exam Notes

(Referring to Quiz 3 & Revision MFR)

1.  Factor that shape and influences MFR

•        End WWII & consequences- Japan brought an awareness of the non-fallibility of the colonial power.The colonial power with a political fait accompli.When these power returned to SEA,the found a changed of political situation to deal on.

•        Regional external political,security and strategic environment of the cold war-cold war set in after ending of ww2.its shown the beginning of political & ideological division of the region whereby influenced FP

•        The political leadership-create opportunity for nationalism

•        Domestic situation-Prior WW2,growing in political movement creating challenge to US/Europe power in region.changing when communist move their wing to Indochina and other asean countries

2.  WW2 , the end and impact

• Japanese occupation in Southeast Asia brought an awareness of the non-fallibility of the colonial powers ,
•  created an opportunity for nationalism ,
• presented the colonial powers with a  political fait accompli in some countries, as when these powers returned to SEA, they found a changed political situation that they had to deal with either through force, negotiation and compromise.
• The period prior to WW2 saw a growing trend in political movements that challenged  the European powers and the US in the region : communist movements in Indochina , Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia.
• The Cold War that set in after the end of WW2 saw the beginning of the political and ideological division of the region and internationally that influenced foreign policies of countries in the region, Malaysia no exception.

3.  Change of MFR in the 1970

•        Reason of change-awareness during confrontasi early 60’s-move ahead in yr 70s under new leadership.after Vietnam war. concurred with Britain re-orientate it FP. An awareness about the need felt already in the 60s with konfrontasi, only crystallized in the 1970s under a new leadership.

• It coincided with Malaysia’s best friend, Britain who decided also to re-orientate its foreign policy and with consequence upon its commitment externally, especially in the Far East.
• The Vietnam war divided not only families, but countries, affecting foreign policy of many nations

•        Example of change-non-allignment. ZOPFAN (the idea of SEA neutrality that Malaysia wanted major powers and countries in the region to support). Support for regionalism in SEA(ASEAN  became a priority in MFP since Tun Razak’s period.). Malaysia expanded relation with traditional friends.raising issues in commonwealth (though still keeping strong relations with the Commonwealth, raised many issues including apartheid).

4.  Environments framed MFP

• The communist insurgency
• The konfrontasi and its impact on foreign policy
• The Cold War that framed MFP ideologically

5.  MFR towards PRC

•        Defination Balance Policy-The small country in order to balance their power to survival, they prefer to make an alliance and armament with major power in order to ensure their security to survive.