A STEP Forward in Cooperation between Malaysia and Russia

Malaysia is a Newly Industrialised Country (NIC) and will become the Chair of ASEAN in 2015.

 

Russia, then the Soviet Union, established diplomatic relations with Malaysia on April 3, 1967, and the Trade Agreement was signed. In November 1967 the Soviet Trade Representation was established. In 1970 the first group of Soviet students came to study Malay at the University of Malaya, among them Tatiana Dorofeeva, Tamara Reshetova, Victor Pogadaev, Anatoly Voronkov. On 4 October 1972 the Agreement on Economic and Technology Cooperation was signed. Russia has an Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (from April 1968), and Malaysia has an embassy in Moscow (from November 1968).

 

However to develop full, better, strong and long-term bilateral cooperation programme a lot more has to be done in awareness building and knowledge sharing between and about both countries.

 

Today, we see a new Russia and welcome cooperation with a super power that does not impose their agenda with military might or covert activities, but through diplomacy and trade. Economic cooperation coupled with cultural activities can be a very good platform to enhance ties between both countries. 

 

In this first article I will start with promoting Bilateral Cooperation through improved Cultural and Social understanding. Not much is known about Russia in Malaysia except what we see on news channels on Television. These news programmes are produced by the International media companies like CNN, BBC, Al jazeera, Bloomberg News, CNBC and then often shared by national television stations. Only a few people have access to Russian Today or other Russian channels or media sources in Malaysia. Thus the general public and decision-makers only get selected news on Russia and her foreign or domestic policy. This news is often negative and based on opinions of the producers of programmes for strategic interests, covering mainly political events. There is rarely anything to promote social or cultural understanding of either country.

 

Thus, I suggest that there should be a concerted effort to promote Russia in Malaysia. This can be done by, possible establishing a Russian-Malaysia Friendship entity – like a Foundation to facilitate better understanding of both countries. This entity could investigate areas to enhance exiting and develop better bilateral cooperation in all areas – social, cultural, economic and political. The foundation’s mode of operation could be like the Asia-Europe Foundation, but on a bilateral basis. It should have a broad base of contributors – young people, women, disabled, academics, business people and politicians. We currently have the recently formed Malaysian-Russian Business Association (MALRUB), but they are strictly limited by the nature of their work, and their very Identity and purpose – promoting business.

 

The Russia-Malaysia Friendship Foundation’s programmes could include “People to People” Exchanges at all levels – from Youth and Students to Academics to Corporate leaders to Senior Citizens. There could be annual Cultural Festivals held in Malaysia and in Russia, highlighting the rich cultural heritage diversity of both nations and to promote interaction. There could also be sports Programmes, including Training Camps and Workshops involving Russian and Malaysian athletes and trainers in selected sporting events. Malaysia has no Snow but I am very sure most Malaysian athletes would love to enjoy a mid-winter Russian Sports Training programme.

 

Then, we have the potential of academic cooperation between nations. Russia trained and sent a Malaysian Cosmonaut to the Intentional Space Station. Why not further extend cooperation in the areas of science and technology? In the area of Energy which has become the pivot of any successful economic activity. Russia is one the leading countries in the production of fossil fuels but also clean energy. Malaysia is a small producer of Fossil fuel but keen to engage in the production of clean energy. We should examine to possibilities of more training programme and information new technology development in this field.

 

Finally, all these activities can be organised on a regular basis and showcased using all forms of media, from print to electronic. It could the basis for creating a new era of cooperation for better bilateral cooperation in all other areas.

 

Eugene F.R. Arokiasamy

CEO, AOC-RAZON Malaysia &

President, A Book for A Friend Society Malaysia