Merdeka and lessons from West Asia conflict

Merdeka Day celebrates Malaysia's independence, but recent events in West Asia remind the nation of the importance of economic and geopolitical resilience. Malaysia has made significant progress in development and regional influence, yet geopolitical unrest highlights vulnerabilities in its social and economic fabric. The conflict in West Asia demonstrates that threats to independence can stem from energy insecurity, disrupted supply chains, technological dependence, and geopolitical tensions far removed from the nation's borders.

Malaysia's oil and gas industry, while strong, is not immune to global market volatility and rising energy costs. To address these challenges, Malaysia should explore further oil and gas exploration while developing its energy sector and becoming a hub for clean energy. The country faces a growing food waste problem, with an estimated 17,000 tonnes of food waste generated daily in Kuala Lumpur alone.

This waste could be transformed into valuable organic fertiliser, supporting agricultural needs and reducing environmental impact. Countries like South Korea, Germany, and France have successfully integrated food waste management into their environmental strategies, producing organic fertiliser and renewable energy. Malaysia's tourism industry, often seen as peaceful, can be disrupted by rising airfares, airspace closures, travel warnings, and declining international confidence.

To remain resilient, Malaysia should diversify its tourism markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of countries. The recent visa-free entry policy for tourists from China and India is a positive step, and it should be extended beyond 2026. Malaysia's unique identity, forged by its peaceful coexistence of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures, should be promoted internationally.

Finally, in an increasingly divided world, Malaysia must pursue a balanced and principled foreign policy, avoiding unnecessary involvement in conflicts that do not serve its national interests.