Malaysia’s soft diplomacy approach receives global recognition for promoting regional stability, says Chief of Defence Force.
MUAR: Malaysia’s signing of the KL Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia demonstrates the nation’s maturity in practising soft diplomacy.
Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar said this approach highlights Malaysia’s ability to manage complex negotiations with wisdom and strategic finesse. He stated that Malaysia’s soft diplomacy has received global recognition for its role in promoting regional stability.
This achievement was made possible through the professionalism of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Foreign Ministry, and relevant agencies. Mohd Nizam described this as a soft yet effective form of defence diplomacy resulting from behind-the-scenes efforts. He noted that these efforts have led to a landmark agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
The success reflects not only strong regional cooperation but also affirms Malaysia’s capability to employ soft diplomacy. Malaysia plays a vital role in advancing peace and maintaining the balance of power in Southeast Asia. He shared these comments after officiating the MAF Adopted Village and School Programme 2025 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tun Perak.
Following the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will pursue new and enhanced areas of defence cooperation among ASEAN member states. These initiatives include strengthening the Confidence Building Measures to foster trust among nations. Malaysia also plans to set up an ASEAN cybersecurity intelligence unit and hold more frequent joint military exercises.
Greater engagement between countries and their armed forces will promote mutual confidence and transparency. This enhanced cooperation helps to resolve both visible and underlying issues within the region. Regarding the two-day programme, Mohd Nizam said the MAF will adopt more schools under the Jiwa Murni-themed initiative. He emphasized that the school adoption effort extends beyond just financial support.
The MAF has proposed introducing mentor-mentee sessions because past experiences offer valuable lessons for students. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the MAF and schools. Such cooperation is essential to bridge generational understanding and instil a sense of responsibility towards the nation.
The programme provides an excellent opportunity to achieve these educational goals. Programme highlights included the launch of the school’s Green Room Studio and a special podcast session. The MAF also symbolically handed over a Robotics Set to the school principal. This gesture demonstrates the armed forces’ support for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.
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