Beyond religious affinity: Malaysia's relations with countries in the Arab Gulf

Economic and political changes at the global level have simultaneously shifted Malaysia's interests in the Arab Gulf countries. The economic liberalisation and transformation agenda that emerged in these economies are argued to be contributing factors to Malaysia's interest in expanding it...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mohd Afandi, Salleh, Mohd Fauzi, Abu-Hussin, Badlihisham, Mohd Nasir
Format: Article
Language:English
English
Published: Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis LTD 2015
Subjects:
Online Access:http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/6533/1/FH02-FLAIR-15-03669.jpg
http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/6533/2/FH02-FLAIR-15-03771.jpg
http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/6533/
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Summary:Economic and political changes at the global level have simultaneously shifted Malaysia's interests in the Arab Gulf countries. The economic liberalisation and transformation agenda that emerged in these economies are argued to be contributing factors to Malaysia's interest in expanding its economic relationships with the countries. Although the current cooperation between Malaysia and the Arab Gulf countries is aimed at reaping economic benefits, religious values also constitute an important foundation for these relationships. This article seeks to understand why politics, economics and religion remain the key drivers in determining Malaysia's relations with the Arab Gulf countries. The paper also suggests a future direction for engagement between Malaysia and Gulf Cooperation Council countries.