logo
Western media struggles to grasp Malaysia's complexities, says BBC man [WATCH]

Western media struggles to grasp Malaysia's complexities, says BBC man [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Western audiences and media often struggle to grasp Malaysia's complexities due to geographical distance and a lack of awareness of its political and historical context, says BBC journalist Jonny Dymond.
Speaking exclusively to the New Straits Times ahead of the BBC World Service's World Questions debate in Kuala Lumpur, Dymond said ignorance remains one of the biggest barriers to covering countries like Malaysia, whose realities are shaped by colonial legacies and modern geopolitical pressures.
"Most people don't even scratch the surface of what countries like Malaysia are dealing with," he said.
"Everything from colonial inheritance to current day tensions. The challenges of geopolitics around here are formidable. You know?
"And people, I think, on the other side of the world simply don't understand the balancing act that countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and other nations in the region simply have to perform all the time.
"When countries are told they have to choose between global powers, it's a strange demand to make from 3,000 miles away."
Dymond also said the positioning of countries like Malaysia on issues such as the war in Gaza reflects a new divide in global politics.
While critical of the term "the global south", which he said oversimplifies diverse countries and perspectives, Dymond acknowledged growing divergence in views between regions.
"It's a sign of, a kind of a new division, a different division in the world. I mean, the phrase 'the global south' is a horrible one.
"It suggests that there's one lump here and another lump there — but let's use it for the moment."
He noted that on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in Gaza, there was initially a sharp divide between how the West and other parts of the world viewed the situation.
"It's worth pointing out, you know, there is a shift also in the West as this war has continued, and more and more people feel uncomfortable, and upset about what has happened.
"Again, not my place to judge it, but it is interesting that Malaysia has been so forthright. And, obviously, I think there is a reflection in the government as to what people feel within Malaysia about what's happening in Gaza.
"And Malaysia and Malaysia's leadership has made its position very, very clear on Israel and the Palestinians and seems to walk in step with its population there — it seems to speak for many, many Malaysians in their unhappiness at what Israel is doing in Gaza."
He also urged Western observers to develop a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia, particularly in light of growing US-China tensions.
"It's up to the West to know a lot more about places like Malaysia before it judges them."
The BBC World Questions debate series invites members of the public to pose questions directly to politicians and public figures on current political, economic, and social issues.
Tonight's debate, which will be broadcast at a later date, will focus on the government's fuel subsidy rationalisation, corruption cases, freedom of speech, and institutional reform.
It will also examine Malaysia's foreign policy, especially its efforts to balance ties with the United States and China.
Among the panellists are Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh and Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

EU says China's links with Russia now 'determining factor' in ties
EU says China's links with Russia now 'determining factor' in ties

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

EU says China's links with Russia now 'determining factor' in ties

BEIJING: EU (European Union) chief Ursula von der Leyen warned on Thursday that China's ties with Russia were now the "determining" factor in its relations with the European Union, as she wrapped up a summit in Beijing that also saw the bloc agree to speed up exports of rare earth minerals. China's leadership has sought to draw the European Union closer as it positions itself as a more reliable partner than the United States and a bedrock of stability in a troubled world. Though nominally intended to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, the long list of grievances set the stage for a contentious summit. The EU has made clear there are deep divisions over trade, fears that cheap, subsidised Chinese goods could overwhelm European markets, and Beijing's tacit support for Russia's war against Ukraine. Brussels says China's deepening political and economic relations with Russia since the 2022 invasion represent backing for Moscow that have helped its economy weather sweeping Western sanctions. Wrapping up that summit, von der Leyen told a news conference in Beijing that the bloc had made clear that the issue was now the "determining" factor in its relations with China. "We expressed... our expectations that China would follow up on our concerns and the expectation that it would use its influence to bring Russia to accept a cease fire, to come to the negotiation table, enter peace talks and put an end to the bloodshed," she said. She also said the bloc had agreed with Beijing to an "upgraded" mechanism for Chinese exports of rare earth minerals — another key sticking point in ties. And European Council President Antonio Costa, also in Beijing, said the officials had raised human rights concerns with Chinese officials. China, in contrast, framed Thursday's summit as a way for the bloc and Beijing to deepen trust in a turbulent world — pitching itself as a reliable partner in contrast with the United States. Welcoming von der Leyen and Costa at Beijing's ornate Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping said "the more severe and complex the international situation is, the more important it is for China and the EU to strengthen communication, increase mutual trust and deepen cooperation." In the context of that turmoil, Xi said, Chinese and European leaders must "make correct strategic choices." "The challenges facing Europe at present do not come from China," he added. "There are no fundamental conflicts of interest or geopolitical contradictions between China and the EU," the Chinese leader said. In response, von der Leyen said "it is vital for China and Europe to acknowledge our respective concerns and come forward with real solutions." Ties had reached an "inflection point", she warned. Costa also stressed to the Chinese leader that the bloc wanted to see "concrete progress on issues related to trade and the economy, and we both want our relationship to be... mutually beneficial." In a separate meeting on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told the two EU leaders that "close cooperation" was a "natural choice" for the two major economies. "As long as both China and the EU earnestly uphold free trade, the international economy and trade will stay dynamic", he said. Brussels had acknowledged the talks between its top bosses and Chinese leaders would be tense. "We know that we don't see eye to eye with China on many issues," a senior EU official told AFP last week. "But we believe that it is essential to have this kind of very direct and open and constructive conversation sitting at the table at the highest level." China and the EU also vowed to "step up" efforts to address climate change. The warming planet has historically been an area of convergence between Brussels and Beijing, with both sides signalling a willingness to cooperate on combating climate change. Chinese and European leaders agreed on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as the energy transition and committed to accelerating global renewable energy deployment, a joint statement said. Also on the agenda for the EU is the yawning trade deficit with China that stood at around $360 billion last year and which von der Leyen has described as "unsustainable." Beijing has dismissed those concerns, insisting that Brussels must "rebalance its mentality", not its economic ties with China. If EU concerns were not addressed, "our industry and citizens will demand that we defend our interests", von der Leyen said in Thursday's talks with Li. The EU has imposed hefty tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, arguing that Beijing's subsidies unfairly undercut European competitors. China has rebuffed that claim and announced what were widely seen as retaliatory probes into imported European pork, brandy and dairy products. — REUTERS

Malaysia Appreciates Turkiye's Efforts To Advocate Just Solution For Palestine
Malaysia Appreciates Turkiye's Efforts To Advocate Just Solution For Palestine

Barnama

time2 hours ago

  • Barnama

Malaysia Appreciates Turkiye's Efforts To Advocate Just Solution For Palestine

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia fully supports Turkiye's efforts to bring the voices of the oppressed communities to the international stage and to advocate for a just and lasting solution for the people of Palestine. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he contacted Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan today and expressed his appreciation for the leader's consistent and firm stance in championing the rights of Palestinians, as well as for urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. "Malaysia and Turkiye share the same aspirations in fighting for universal peace and strengthening global solidarity through diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid and peaceful conflict resolution,' he posted on Facebook.

EU praises Zelensky's anti-corruption pledge amid Ukraine concerns
EU praises Zelensky's anti-corruption pledge amid Ukraine concerns

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Sun

EU praises Zelensky's anti-corruption pledge amid Ukraine concerns

BRUSSELS: The European Union has expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's commitment to introduce new legislation ensuring the independence of anti-corruption agencies. The move follows criticism from Brussels over recent legal changes weakening oversight bodies. EU spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker stated, 'We have seen that the Ukrainian government has taken action. We welcome that action, and indeed we work with them to make sure that these concerns regarding the fight against corruption, which is an extremely important priority for us and for Ukraine as well, are indeed correctly addressed.' Protests have broken out in Ukraine after Zelensky approved a law stripping two key anti-graft agencies of their autonomy. The decision drew sharp criticism from EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who sought 'explanations' from Kyiv. Facing backlash, Zelensky announced plans to draft a replacement bill that would 'ensure the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions.' The controversy arises as Ukraine seeks EU membership, with anti-corruption reforms being a critical requirement. Ukraine has long struggled with systemic corruption, making transparency a key condition for Western financial and military aid. The EU remains a major wartime supporter, emphasising governance reforms alongside security assistance. – AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store