.jpg)
By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2023
Anwar Ibrahim visited 10 countries since he became PMX late in 2022.
While Anwar Ibrahim's global tour may seem like a diplomatic triumph on paper, one can not help but question its true utility.
The extensive list of countries visited provides a veneer of diplomatic activity, but the tangible outcomes raise skepticism.
The agreements signed during these visits appear impressive, from investment promises to memoranda of understanding. However, the real measure of success lies in the concrete results and long-term impact on Malaysia's economy and global standing.
The emphasis on economic affairs in each visit raises the question of whether these trips were more about attracting foreign investments than fostering genuine diplomatic relationships. The focus on deals and investments may overshadow the importance of addressing the pressing regional and global issues.
Anwar's diplomatic endeavours seem more like a checklist of countries visited rather than a strategic approach to addressing Malaysia's geopolitical challenges.
The occasional mention of regional issues, such as the South China Sea or the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, feels like an afterthought rather than a central focus.
The frequency of these trips also raises concerns about their actual effectiveness. Can meaningful and lasting diplomatic relationships be established through a whirlwind tour of ten nations in just one year?
The depth of engagement and understanding required for fruitful diplomacy might be compromised in such a fast-paced itinerary.
In essence, while the op-ed analysis attempts to paint Anwar's globetrotting in a positive light, a critical view suggests that the utility of these visits remains questionable.
The true worth of such diplomatic endeavours lies not just in the quantity of countries visited but in the quality of relationships built and the tangible benefits accrued for Malaysia. Perhaps we'll be able to witness the real benefit of PMX's Odyssey in 2024 when the memoranda signed durin his visits are fully implemented.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.
