Malaysia’s foreign policy establishment needs to understand Iran and its proxies — Phar Kim Beng

Malaysia's foreign policy establishment must deepen its understanding of Iran and its regional proxies, according to Phar Kim Beng, Professor of Asean Studies at International Islamic University Malaysia. The analogy of Yemen becoming Saudi Arabia's "Vietnam" highlights how Iran's influence goes beyond conventional military power.

Iran can disperse its influence through armed movements like the Houthis, who possess drones and ballistic missiles. While the Houthis have their own leadership and objectives, they rely on Iranian weapons, training, and strategic support. Malaysia must recognize the complexities of Iran's relationships with regional actors like Hezbollah in Lebanon and armed groups in Iraq.

The emergence of these movements demonstrates how relatively cheap military technology can impose significant costs on wealthier nations. Yemen's situation showcases the importance of maritime security for Asean, with the Houthis disrupting shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Malaysia's economy relies heavily on sea lanes, so disruptions in one maritime passage can have global economic implications.

Malaysia needs to cultivate specialists in Persian political thought, domestic politics, and strategic institutions to understand these complex dynamics. While Malaysia should maintain good relations with both Iran and Gulf countries, diplomatic flexibility must be backed by intellectual depth. Understanding Iran's strategic board is not an endorsement of its policies, but rather a recognition of the evolving international system where states rely on diverse instruments of power.