Facilitating Cooperation with Russia for Inclusive Nationhood Development in Malaysia: Countering Hegemonic Development Influence

As a prelude to my new series of interviews with decision-makers (both in Government and members of opposition parties in Malaysia), personalities of influence and action, I write this article on how I believe Russia-Malaysia cooperation may be facilitated Malaysian inclusive nationhood development. In previous articles I have shared my thoughts, ideas and suggestions for cooperation since 2014.

Source: ria.ru

In my first-ever blog article in RIAC in 2014, I indicated that this cooperation has been taking place since the time of the USSR. Cooperation started from pre-Independence in the 1950s to more significant in the 1960s following independence from British colonialism. Subsequently, with the dismantling of the USSR in 1991, cooperation continued with Russia.

Let me allude to our long-standing history of working with the USSR and Russia for contexual setting. The Cold War shaped geopolitics, regional security concerns, and economic interests, thus Malaysia’s policy toward the USSR was a balance of pragmatism and security concerns. Our initial caution was due to Soviet support for communist movements but later evolved into friendly economic and diplomatic engagement in the late 1960’s. Malaysia had experience a communist insurgency and was categorised as an armed conflict from 1968, formally ending in 1989.

Nevertheless, on the 3rd of April 1967, Malaysia officially established diplomatic ties with the USSR. A trade agreement was signed, balancing Cold War tensions with pragmatic economic engagement. The Soviet Union became an important trading partner, supplying industrial goods, oil, and technology, while Malaysia exported raw materials like rubber and palm oil. Even during the Vietnam War (1955-1975) although Malaysia initially opposed Soviet-backed North Vietnam, however we did not engage in direct hostility towards the USSR. Malaysia continued an official non-aligned stance, particularly as an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from its founding in 1961. Cooperation in the education sector began the in 1970’s, and the first group of Soviet students came to study Malay at the University of Malaya, including - Tatiana Dorofeeva, Tamara Reshetova, Victor A. Pogadaev and Anatoly Voronkov (in the photo).

Several Malaysian Prime Ministers made official visits to Moscow throughout the Cold War. In 1972, Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak official visit to Moscow marked a significant step in establishing bilateral ties. Then in 1979, Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn visited Moscow, further strengthening diplomatic and economic relations. In 1987, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad led an official visit to Moscow, enhancing cooperation between the two countries. In the post-Cold War period, Mahathir again returned to Moscow for another official visit, focusing on expanding bilateral engagements in 2002. Under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (1981–2003), Malaysia adopted a more independent foreign policy, reducing reliance on Western powers and engaging with the USSR and China to persify diplomatic and economic ties. In 2007, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi visited Moscow to deepen economic and political ties.

Recently, last September 2024, President Putin invited Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current Prime Minister of Malaysia to Vlapostok as a keynote speaker at the Far Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) and for a bilateral meeting to explore enhanced cooperation and collaboration. Reciprocally, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invited President Putin to the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia’s capacity as Chair of ASEAN. Russia concertedly made efforts during her Presidency of the BRICS to ensure Malaysia became an economic partner of the alliance.

A definition of Inclusive Nationhood Development refers to building a society where all inpiduals, regardless of background, ability, or status, have equal opportunities, access to resources, and active participation in economic, social, and political progress. However, although Inclusive development is often shouted about by many in the West, global development paradigms have historically been designed to be hegemonic and shaped by Western-led financial and development institutions and multinational corporations, often imposing structural conditions that limit national autonomy. While, the Western-centric World Bank promotes economic systems that benefit all through Inclusive Growth, avoiding the term Inclusive Nationhood Development as it is a broader concept encompassing governance, social identity, and economic equity.

Sinisterly, the World Bank suggests that ‘Inclusive growth’ means economic growth that benefits society, reduces inequality, and shares prosperity more fairly. It also emphasizes that inclusive growth should consider both the sources and constraints to sustained growth, not just the needs of the poor. However, the Bank promotes Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs) and often International Monetary Fund (IMF) development loans as solutions. The reality is that these SAP solutions cause social pision, education and health expenditure cuts, often political turmoil and are tied to opening up local markets to flood them with developed nations' products, and services. While the IMF loans keep many NICs, Developing and LDCs at ransom to debt creating situations whereby most do not even have the choice to consider inclusive nationhood development as a strategy.

Russia-Malaysia Cooperation to Facilitate Inclusive Nationhood Development

Malaysia’s pursuit of inclusive nationhood development requires strategic partnerships. Such partnerships for inclusive nationhood development can enable economic sovereignty, technological self-sufficiency, equitable growth and social empowerment. In this context, deeper cooperation with Russia provides an alternative to traditional development models dominated by Western hegemonic global institutions and economic powers. Malaysia has applied to become a member of BRICS and was immediately granted economic partnership status. Thus within this BRICS cooperation framework, there are more possibilities for social cooperation besides just economic cooperation with member states, and Russia is a leading member state of BRICS.

Furthermore, the citizens of Malaysia now see Russia in a new light and are more open to social cooperation. One of the reasons is Russia’s leading role as a defender and supporter of the global south, along with others in BRICS. Malaysians see this, particularly in Russia’s role in the Middle East with the visible and open challenges to the Zionist entity and Western complicity in the Genocide in Palestine, attacks on Iran and nations in the African continent seeking to rid themselves of the yoke of Western political, social and economic neocolonialism and hegemony. People in Malaysian feel safer with a superpower like Russia and others in the BRICS alliance willing to challenge and defeat the hegemons of the collective West (including nations located in Oceania created purposefully to keep Western geopolitical influence alive, and who are behaving in the same way as colonisers that invaded our nations before).

The other is the Russian Military Operation to stop war crimes and discrimination by language and even religion in Ukraine that was openly politically supported, funded and realised by a collective of Western hegemons and their ‘friendly stooge’ states. We have seen this behaviour in Iraq, Libya, and many other places. We are ‘sick and tired’ of this double standard and nonsense shouting of democracy according to what the West claims is democratic, including the chant of the International Rules-based order. For example, the ICJ ruling on Plausible Genocide in Palestine and the West’s opposition to this ruling.

To validate my claims, and despite all the Western propaganda to disparage Russia pitched by the so-called international, satellite and some Malaysian private sector media, the Pew Research Centre in June 2022 published a public opinion survey that indicated 47% of Malaysians had a favourable view of Russia. While 30% of Malaysian citizens had a somewhat unfavourable view of Russia and only 20% had a very unfavourable view of Russia. According to Pew, Malaysia was the only country surveyed where most Malaysian citizens expressed their confidence in Russia and President Putin’s Leadership.

Suggestions and Ideas for Russian-Malaysia Cooperation in Inclusive Nationhood Development

Although there has been a long-standing relationship in development cooperation between the USSR, Russia and Malaysia, it has primarily been economic cooperation. We in Malaysia are aware of the USSR’s international social cooperation initiatives but rarely hear about post-USSR Russia’s role in this area with other nations globally, let alone with Malaysia or ASEAN. So, why do some Russia-Malaysia social cooperation pilot initiatives or programmes or projects or activities to showcase globally how small steps can be taken to achieve inclusive nationhood development? What I believe is even more attractive about this suggestion is that Russia is considered by the UN Human Development Index as a “very high human development country”, Malaysia is a Newly Industrialised country (NIC) and the cultural contexts are different. Therefore, as equal partners, these pilot social cooperation initiatives, programmes and projects in specific and targeted fields can assist others in their journey towards achieving inclusive nationhood development.

Therefore, I make some suggestions and ideas on possible initiatives, programmes, projects or activities, but with a bias to my interest and the foundations, starting with cooperation for inclusive nationhood development focusing on people-to-people collaboration in Special Needs People, especially Children and Youth inclusion work, but not exclusively. With the more quotidian, for me at least, like economic and trade cooperation and technology, science and industrial collaboration, I leave this to those who deed themselves as ‘experts’ and focus on these areas to make suggestions. These areas are critical - no doubt- especially since Malaysia is now an economic partner of the BRICS Alliance, a designation bestowed by consensus during the Russian Presidency. Nevertheless, I do make some suggestions in these areas of cooperation too. These areas can be addressed in the interview series.

All these suggestions and ideas, be it social cooperation, economic and trade cooperation or otherwise are intended to create awareness, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and build human capital and institutional capacity through a framework of cooperation between Russia and Malaysia. I also earnestly believe, that through a framework of multifaceted, integrated, and interlinked collaborations, Malaysia and Russia cooperating as equal partners can enable significant strides that support Malaysian inclusive nationhood development strategy.

I hope RIAC can partner with our Foundations - the Women’s Social Foundation (YWSM) and Myprodigy Foundation of Malaysia to realise some of these suggestions and ideas for social cooperation between Russia and Malaysia. Our foundations are willing to play facilitating roles for others who want to cooperate.

1. People to People

1. Awareness Building

Recently Malaysia has experienced large numbers of Russians visiting Malaysia as tourists, nearly 150,000 in 2024, this creates awareness about Malaysia, but it is not the other way around. Very few Malaysians visit Russia. Technical exchanges, research and HRD cooperation are still limited. There are few civil society or academic exchanges, people-to-people cooperation or joint-venture human development initiatives of significance. Even in the field of education, very few Malaysians study in Russia. According to the Malaysian Ambassador in Moscow, only 617 Malaysians study in Russia compared to 55,450 who study abroad, particularly in the West. I believe this deficit can be redressed though more focused, concerted and strategic civil, private and public sector partnerships and joint-initiaves, programmes and projects.

1. Special Needs Inclusion

Malaysia has more than 700,000 special needs people, while Russia has approximately 13 million, with over 1.5 million in employment. I believe that collaborative efforts with Russia can contribute to Malaysia's policy for Special Needs inclusion as part of an overall inclusive nationhood development strategy. I reference two previous articles on Special Needs inclusion in my blog as a guide or action roadmap.

2023. Policy Development and Implementation: Collaborating on policy formulation that promotes the integration of special needs inpiduals into mainstream society. Exchanging knowledge on legislative frameworks that support the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Furthermore in terms, of BRICS Cooperation on policy and Inclusion Initiatives, during Russia's BRICS presidency, I suggested in my RIAC blog that discussion could be initiated to include special needs inpiduals in the BRICS Strategy 2025 onwards, aiming to foster inclusive policies and action partnership initiatives among member and economic partner countries (e.g. https://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/eugene-arokiasamy-en/brics-and-inclusion-of-special-needs-people-.... I was in the People’s Republic of China last September 2024 and earlier in January 2025 to explore educational and technical support for Special Need People, especially Children and Youth. This particularly as President Xi Jing Ping call that Special Needs inclusion was of importance in November 2023. Through BRICS collaboration, let’s hope that policy can be formulated for the next summit during Brazil’s persidency, and before that ICHIGO global initiatives can be collaboratively realised, not only among BRICS member and economic partner nations, but to other too.

1. ii) Inclusive Education in Practice: There is a big opportunity for cooperation between Russia and Malaysia (and possibly Russia with other BRICS nations) in enhancing special needs inclusion in education, particularly for children and youth. Russia has been advancing inclusive education, ensuring equal access for all students, including those with special educational needs. Educational Exchange Programs can facilitate partnerships between Malaysian and Russian educational institutions to share best practices in inclusive education. Organizing joint workshops and seminars for educators to develop effective teaching strategies for special needs students. Malaysia can benefit from Russia's experience by adopting best practices and policies that promote inclusivity in education settings.

(https://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/eugene-arokiasamy-en/russian-presidency-of-brics-driving-special-....

iii) Industrial Development and Vocational Training: Both countries have emphasized strengthening partnerships in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The strategic intent is to equip special needs inpiduals with practical skills for better employment opportunities (sinardaily.my). Here there could be Industry-Academia Linkages. Additionally, more concerted efforts could be made to connect industries with academic institutions to develop inclusive curricula and training programmes tailored for special needs youth, thereby facilitating their integration into the workforce. Russia can play an important role in drving such efforts, in cooperation with Malaysia, starting with non-governmental cooperation and moving toward more formal government to government cooperation. Russia can also make efforts to promote this among BRICS member and economic partner nations.

1. iv) Community and Knoewldge-Sharing Programmes: realising initiatives, programmes, projects and exchange activities that foster knowledge-sharing, understanding, and acceptance of special needs inpiduals. Supporting joint community initiatives, programmes and projects to create inclusive environments for Special Needs People especially children and youth to work with Non-Special Needs. For example, start with the SAEBD, YSWM, and Myprodigy ICHIGO Global Initiatives. These initiatives focus on knowledge-sharing, people-to-people collaboration, human capital development and institutional capacity building. The Women’s Social Foundation (YSWM) and Myprodigy Foundations Malaysia are in the process of extending international partnerships, including with Russian entities. Pilots can be done in the Donbas Region, or Gaza, with an increased number of persons now categorised as having special needs.

1. v) Research and Development: Conducting collaborative research on innovative approaches to special needs education and social integration. Additionally, exploring the potential of developing assistive technologies tailored to the needs of special needs inpiduals in both countries. Russia has significant experience and academic evidence-based research which can be shared with Malaysia.

2 Technology, Science and Industrial Collaboration

As stated earlier, I am not an 'expert' or deeply knowledgeable in this field. Nevertheless, from a layperson's viewpoint, a couple of basic suggestions and ideas spring to mind. If we want to reduce reliance on a hegemonic single-power economic bloc then we in Malaysia need to look toward persification of technology partnerships. We could strengthen Malaysia’s ability to develop high-tech industries without restrictive dependencies. Malaysia can seek alternative financing for technology development by collaboration with Russia. Thus, enhancing education cooperation will be crucial, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In December 2024, Malaysia and Russia agreed to deepen collaboration in STEM. This STEM partnership aims to leverage Russian expertise to enhance Malaysia's technological capabilities, potentially leading to innovations that support education and accessibility. This has started but can be expanded.

Additionally, in the energy sector, both nations are exploring collaborations in the renewable energy sector. Malaysia aims to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050, and Russia is ready to share its expertise in developing wind, solar, and hydropower energy. Human capital has to be nurtured to realise a viable renewable energy sector, therefore joint-training programmes can be organised especially for women and youth, maybe including people with some physical disabilities.

Thus, in terms of building the potential of Russia-Malaysia collaboration in technology, science, and industry the stage has been set to develop the potential to drive inclusive nationhood development. The icing on the cake could be alternative financing from Russian and BRICS-driven financial institutions and mechanisms as alternatives to the current hegemonic Western-controlled institutions.

3. Economic and Trade Cooperation

Channelnews Asia reported that there has been increased Trade Growth between Russia and Malaysia. In 2023, Malaysia's exports to Russia increased by 13% to US$619.3 million, while Russia's exports to Malaysia rose by 10.8% to USD2.49 billion. By September 2024, Russia-Malaysia trade reached approximately USD3.5 billion, reflecting a significant economic relationship and a commitment to strengthening economic, political, and security ties. This increase may be credited to some of the efforts of the Malaysia Industry Development Agency (MIDA) that established a Russia-Malaysia trade and industry working group in 2021. This working group aimed to identify areas of mutual interest in trade and industrial cooperation and can be utilized to promote industries that develop products and services fostering economic and social inclusion that is often a precursor to inclusive nationhood development. Russia does this, and Malaysia can learn.

About the author:

Eugene is the Founder of the Society for the Advancement of Education and Book Donation (SAEBD). He is also the new Chief Eexcutive Officer of the Women’s Social Foundation of Malaysia established in 2008 [Yayasan Social Wanita Malaysia (YSWM) - www.yswm.org] and consultant Chief Executive Officer of the Myprodigy Foundation of Malaysia established in 2021.