KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia transforms to a full-fledged developed nation status by 2020, the rakyat will have to be given more say in decision-making, even on foreign policies, said the Global Movement of Moderates.
GMM chief executive officer Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said while the Foreign Ministry remained the lead organisation in matters pertaining to foreign relations, the nation could benefit from public input.
“Once we reach developed nation status, there will be higher expectations from the international community for Malaysia to play a more pro-active role in its foreign affairs,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
“We believe people-to-people diplomacy is important to push the platform of moderation in our country’s foreign policy.”
Saifuddin said the movement would engage with policy makers, civil society groups, business organisations and academics to increase their potential roles in shaping this policy.
“We will also focus on building awareness among youths and students, as shaping foreign policy is a long-term process and they should have an active role in deciding how we, as a nation, will be dealing with others, and how we make our mark on the international community,” he added.
Present at the function was GMM chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail, who announced a new line-up of its board of trustees. They are former Malaysian ambassador to Uzbekistan Datuk M. Redzuan Kushairi, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Centre for Advance Studies on Islam, Science and Civilisation (Casis) director Prof Dr Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud and Star Publications (M) Bhd acting group chief executive officer and executive director Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
A deputy secretary-general from the Foreign Ministry will be included in the line-up and will be named by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is GMM patron, at a later date.
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