The impact of regional cooperation on the development of Philippines- Malaysia bilateral relations, 1957-2010
This article examines the impact of regional alliances in the shaping of Philippines-Malaysia relations. Philippines-Malaysia bilateral relations have been predominantly driven by the Philippines’ Sabah claim. This is a long-held misconception that warrants a reevaluation by considering othe...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2022
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/20305/1/57347-189461-1-SM.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/20305/ https://ejournal.ukm.my/jebat/issue/view/1535 |
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| Summary: | This article examines the impact of regional alliances in the shaping
of Philippines-Malaysia relations. Philippines-Malaysia bilateral
relations have been predominantly driven by the Philippines’ Sabah
claim. This is a long-held misconception that warrants a reevaluation
by considering other driving factors such as regional cooperation,
which has played a big part in Philippines-Malaysia relations which
is indeed the novelty of this article. A shared vision by Philippine and
Malaysian leaders was the key factor in the formation of the ASA and
ASEAN. Their involvement in initiating regional cooperation began
when President Garcia met Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Malaysia Prime
Minister, in Manila in January 1959. This effort led to the formation
of the Association of South-East Asia (ASA) in July 1961 which was
the first regional body established in Southeast Asia. Garcia and
Tunku shared a vision to establish a regional organization to counter
communist threats and enhance mutual security in the region. The
establishment of ASA has been a factor in the establishment of ASEAN.
Through ASEAN, concepts such as musyawarah and muafakat are
accepted by the Philippines and Malaysia to resolve the Sabah issue.
This article also discusses the geopolitical situation in the region
during the 1960s and beyond, influenced by the spread of communist
ideology was an important factor for non-communist countries in
Southeast Asia to stay united. This article will explore the extent to
which commitment to regional alliances such as ASA, MAPHILINDO
(Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia) and ASEAN emerged as driving
forces in the development Philippines-Malaysia bilateral relations.
Philippines and Malaysia have cooperated in various regional
initiatives which have generated many and tremendous mutual
benefits. Successful cooperation and collaboration in many areas
brought positive impacts and significance in bilateral ties which
have been overlooked in other studies. Furthermore, this article also
contributes to the understanding that regional cooperation was and
is the cornerstone of the Philippines’ and Malaysia’s foreign policy
direction. |
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