Obama’s visit set to open up new frontier — Collins Chong

APRIL 25 — The impending historic visit by the 44^th President of the United States after a lapse of almost five decades since the previous visit by a US president certainly signals the commencement of a revitalisation and the injection of a new mutual commitment and efforts to further cement the solid foundation of ties that both sides have been enjoying since the first diplomatic ties was established.

The visit will solidify all efforts to oil the path in charting the new frontier and elevate the current state of good and warm relations to a higher level that will be akin to a beneficial strategic partnership status as has been the case with China.

America’s importance to us in all aspects of economic, commerce, trade, defence, security, and technological prowess is undeniable and the far-reaching connection and influence that it has on every level of our society as well as our well-being will always be deep embedded in our very planning and the charting of the future growth of the nation as can be seen in the bare facts and the reality on the ground.

We have been benefiting immensely from the superior advantage and know-how of the Americans from the strong economic and technological cooperation and mutual collaboration and that have been integrated and supplemented in the growth pattern and direction of the nation by continuing to depend deeply on this technological superiority and financial weight that the US brings being the superpower that still commands the superior advancement and advantage in all fields irrespective of some debates of its perceived downturn.

With the US as a crucial partner for us in continuing to churn up robust economic growth and stability as well as the security net it covers, there is no better time to reset the relations to a higher level befitting the level of importance and significance that each can offer to each other.

While it is proven beyond doubt that our future growth chart and direction and the dynamic force of our nation-building that hinges on the focus on innovation, creativity, building of vibrant and versatile human capital on the back of the economy driven by knowledge and skills based foundation will be very much relying on the superiority and advancement of the US in these fields, there is a fundamental need and realisation that the other areas of utmost importance to our national interest and survival lie not only in these areas of education, economy and technological ties that have been very beneficial mutually but also the greater focus on regional and international security landscape that has long evolved and proved to be ever challenging with high stakes involved.

The turn of the new century and the end of the Cold War brought about a seismic shift in the global security arena with a whole new horizon of changing aspects of threats and security challenges that are non-traditional in nature and it is in this context that a close global cooperation and sharing of expertise and know-how in related fields will go a long way in ensuring a stable and manageable regional and global security amidst the various forms of growing threats and instability that we are facing. This vital link of a comprehensive cooperation and collaboration with the US in defence and security fields especially in the sharing of intelligence, technical and military expertise and know-how and close cooperation in extending and elevating the bulwark of a safety net in thwarting global terrorism and the threats posed by rogue non-state actors will undeniably further catapult the confidence and strength in each other in providing the first line of defence and deterrence towards these growing threats that will cause regional and global instability.

While the presence of the US might in the domestic and regional geography will still continue to draw debates, cooperation in other non-military and humanitarian fields will go a long way further cementing closer understanding and transfer of knowledge, experience, exposure and expertise in raising the local capability and readiness in facing these scenarios.

With Malaysia set to be in the limelight with the impending seat on the UN Security Council as well as holding the chair for ASEAN, this will be the perfect suited opportunity for us to further enhance the relations with the superpower in all aspects especially with regards to defence and security and to gain the much needed support and backing that will raise the voice and prominence of Malaysia at the global arena.

With ever continuing security threats and challenges coming in various forms and sources in an ever inter-connected and inter-linked global communities, there is no better time than now to seize the opening to work together in providing mutually beneficial spin-offs both in the short and long term prospects for both countries as both are increasingly getting more dependent on one another in related fields and expertise that will not only leave a positive and fruitful path in the bilateral relations but will also leave a trail of confidence and a further intensification of efforts to see through the global push for peace and moderation that have been championed by our Prime Minister.

This platform and premise can be further expanded and given a huge shot in the arm with the backing and endorsement of the President himself with the gigantic clout and after-effect positive ripples it can send to the international political arena.

Now that the pivot to Asia seems to be back on track although with the continuing Ukrainian and Middle Eastern conundrum lurking the background, the stakes are high in the region for the continuous push for a careful and delicate strategy in striving for regional stability and security that is now mired with both state and non-state threats that will threaten to once again push the region into a state of chaos that will hurt us and the US most.

This is where the presence and support of the US in providing the assurance, extending the hand of friendship and in elevating the level of confidence will be a huge booster to provide the much needed tool of support and assistance in helping the actors in the region to counter different threats to regional security.

It will also raise the prospects and open up a new frontier in redirecting the global focus on this continent as the driver and propeller of the future growth engine that will be helmed by a dynamic and vibrant workforce with an ever rising knowledgeable middle class with a huge source of untapped natural resources and superior market potential and a solid foundation in economic fundamentals and structure that have been further solidified and strengthened by the lessons learned by financial crises in the decades.

These gigantic economic potential and the prospect of the region being the next driver of global political and economic arenas will surely invite greater scrutiny and interests from all and this is where our roles will be further cemented and be of greater significance as a rising middle power with extensive clout and influence in the region with a consistent principle of moderation, peace and goodwill and that will be the plus point in the traction of continuing to enhance closer ties between the region and the US.

We have been at the forefront in extending a helping hand to mediate and to lend our support in providing a peaceful solution to regional conflicts and have a proven track record that is to be proud of and this is where our experience and skills can be further catapulted and enhanced in a broader agenda by setting a fine example in continuing to push for a moderate and peaceful solution to conflicts that will reflect our stand and legacy for the past decades.

Since Independence we have promoted understanding and peace to generate friendly relations with all states with the broader aspiration of playing a bigger role in international affairs by offering our support, assistance and expertise in the relevant fields.

There is no better avenue than now to seize the ground and to portray our rich and exceptional legacy as a shining example of a moderate and tolerant nation with the celebration of diversity among the multi-racial and multi-cultural fabric of the society which can be used as a tool of positive example for all to emulate.

We can forge a closer and enhance ties with our old friends in the Americans and  leverage on their support to continue to push for voices of tolerance, harmony, peaceful co-existence and the spirit of humanity and compassion that will go a long way in laying the path towards achieving a better prospect of global peace.

We are on the most crucial stage of our cycle of foreign affairs and diplomacy and this is the best avenue to showcase to the world what we have to offer in bringing about a sustained path towards doing our part and contributing to a better world hand in hand with our American brothers and sisters who share the same spirit and heart of peace and harmony.

We extend a very hearty welcome to you, President Obama.

We have been waiting for you to join in our spirit of unity in diversity and to continue the push for global understanding, peace and harmony.

* Collins Chong Yew Keat is a University of Malaya student majoring in International and Strategic Studies.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.