Document Type
Conference Item (Restricted)
Publication Date
1-1-2009
Abstract
This paper argues that Malaysia-Indonesia relations have become increasingly problematic and difficult to manage in a more liberal post-Mahathir era. Whilst government-to-government relations between the two countries have been testy or times even tumultuous over the past five decades or so, it is the recent deterioration in people-to-people relations, meaning the perceptions and attitudes that each nations'citizens have of each other, which is now a major cause of concern and the contention of this paper. Malaysia under new leadership, is very likely to be increasingly inward-looking, with Najib Razak seeking to gain legitimacy against the growing influence of the opposition coalition led by Anwar Ibrahim, and hence bilateral relations with Indonesia will eventually take a back seat. In effect, Malaysia's relationship with its most important ASEAN neighbour is facing significant challenges with growing domestic problems in both countries exacerbated by the current global economic uncertainties.
Keywords
Malaysia-Indonesia relations, Mahathir, politics
Divisions
FacultyofEconomicsAdministration
Event Title
67th MPSA Annual National Conference
Event Location
Chicago, USA
Event Dates
2-5 April 2009
Event Type
conference