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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright November 2023
Well, it seems our dear Prime Minister might need a crash course in diplomatic terminology.
Calling a démarche a threat is like mistaking a salad fork for a medieval weapon.
Maybe someone should slip him a dictionary along with his morning coffee.
Meanwhile, our Machang MP is here to educate us all, reminding us that the term "démarche" is not a villain's secret weapon but simply a fancy way for countries to say, "Hey, we have some thoughts about your policies."
And let's not forget the unforgettable moment when the US Department of State was so concerned about Malaysia's stance on Palestine that they rang up the ambassador.
Maybe they were just calling to share their favourite hummus recipe? Who knows!
But what's even more entertaining is that the former prime minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, was quite the chatterbox on these issues but never played the victim card.
So, Anwar, if you're listening, maybe it's time to embrace your inner diplomat and let those démarches roll off your back like water off a duck's feathers.
After all, it's all in the name of "persuade, inform, or gather information" – not making you run for cover!
The experience of mistakenly characterizing a démarche as a threat holds some valuable lessons and implications:
- Diplomatic Literacy Matters: It highlights the importance of diplomatic literacy among political leaders. Understanding the terminology and protocols of international relations can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
- Effective Communication: Effective communication is key in international diplomacy. Leaders should ensure that they accurately convey their concerns and intentions to avoid unnecessary tensions with other countries.
- International Relations Impact: Mischaracterizing diplomatic actions as threats can have a negative impact on a country's international relations. It may strain relationships and lead to unintended consequences.
- Transparency: Transparency in diplomacy is crucial. The public and fellow politicians should be informed accurately about diplomatic interactions to avoid confusion and unnecessary speculation.
- Political Rhetoric: Political rhetoric and terminology matter. Leaders should be cautious about using inflammatory language that can lead to unnecessary alarm or sensationalism.
- Consistency in Foreign Policy: Maintaining consistency in foreign policy positions is important. Malaysia's firm stance on the Palestinian issue is well-established, and leaders should maintain a balanced and consistent approach.
- Educational Initiatives: This incident highlights the need for educational initiatives that enhance the understanding of international diplomacy and foreign policy among political leaders and the public.Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) where I did lecture to budding diplomats may be a good place to start for the novice in the art.
In summary, the implications of this experience underline the significance of diplomacy, communication, and informed decision-making in international relations.
It serves as a reminder that leaders should tread carefully in the realm of foreign policy and avoid sensationalizing diplomatic interactions.
Editorial note: Malaysia's ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, has advised Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal that a demarche may constitute a threat or otherwise, depending on its contents.
"It has been three times that (the demarche notes) were issued. This is very serious. It means that on the part of the US, it is continuously pursuing the matter. Repeated notices mean it is considered a diplomatic threat," former Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said when contacted by the New Straits Times.
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