BILATERAL ties between Malaysia and Australia were just elevated to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" at a virtual meeting between the prime ministers of both countries yesterday. This marks a deepening of the relationship that had been categorised as a "strategic partnership" since November 2015.
An increasing part of the Asia Pacific's diplomatic nomenclature, the term "comprehensive strategic partnership" originated from China's partnership-centric diplomacy and has been adopted by other countries in the region who wanted to frame their heightened cooperative engagements without being tied down to formal alliances.
It is seen as the reaffirmation of strong bilateral ties, with the depth and breadth of cooperation cutting across multiple spheres, often stretching beyond the traditional economic, diplomatic, security and cultural ties.
More importantly, it also emphasises shared regional aspirations, and the intent to cooperate strategically on a multilateral level.
Contextually, the only other country Malaysia has a comprehensive strategic partnership with is China, our biggest trade partner.
This progress in relations is reflective of one of Malaysia's most enduring and wide-ranging diplomatic relationships.
With both countries celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties last year, this relationship predates the independence of then-Malaya.
The following are some milestones in this 6½-decade relationship.
FIRST, Australia is a part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the only military alliance that Malaysia is a part of, and plays a key role in assisting Malaysia with maritime domain awareness. These ties were cemented during World War 2 and the Konfrontasi, with the graves of "diggers" marking war cemeteries in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
SECOND, in 2019, Malaysia was Australia's second-largest trading partner in Asean and its ninth largest overall. Australia was Malaysia's 11th largest overall global trading partner the previous year.
The trading relationship is anchored in the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement and the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area.
THIRD, Malaysians were among the largest participants of the original Colombo Plan, which eventually led to Australia becoming a tertiary education destination of choice.
A commonly quoted estimate is that there are more than 300,000 Malaysian alumni of Australian education institutions scattered across both countries and beyond.
Under the New Colombo Plan, Malaysia was the sixth most popular destination for Australian undergraduate students.
FOURTH, pre-pandemic, about 385,000 Malaysians visited Australia in 2019, while 273,000 Australians reciprocated. Many Malaysians reside or have taken up citizenship in Australia and have achieved great strides there, – from the winners of MasterChef Australia to the federal cabinet.
Having said that, what does the comprehensive strategic partnership mean for the two countries moving forward?
For starters, it would mean an increase in the level and intensity of consultation and cooperation on regional and global affairs.
Existing high-level meetings among ministers and senior officials would likely be regularised, and broadened with beyond trade, foreign policy and defence.
More engagement at an apex-leadership level, between the prime ministers, ought to follow to provide political heft.
Bilateral and multilateral thematic areas of cooperation would be given greater structure, with an impetus for greater collaboration between non-governmental institutions to support these initiatives at a regional level.
While some of the themes — such as free trade, non-proliferation and disarmament, maritime security, curbing violent extremism and people-smuggling — have long been on the agenda, others reflect the evolving concerns of the region.
Both countries have recognised that multilateral partnerships are essential in managing the Covid-19 pandemic and its long-term effects.
Both are also cognisant of the importance of a peaceful, prosperous and rules-based Asia Pacific, and seek to work within regional mechanisms to ensure the region can endure the worst excesses of the US and China.
2021 will also see Malaysia playing the role of country coordinator for Australia in Asean, which presents further opportunity to set the agenda at a regional level.
One particular issue recently raised by Malaysia's Foreign Minister at the Asean Foreign Minister's retreat included the prioritising of a bilateral and multilateral response to rising mental health challenges resulting from the pandemic.
As both move forward in this partnership, it is essential to keep in mind that the relationship could fall victim to the risks of assumed familiarity.
Policymakers in Malaysia and Australia need to understand the developing nuances in domestic drivers of foreign policy, and how each chooses to navigate its relationships with major powers.
Thus, constant and frank engagement is essential. Fortunately, it is something that has been, for the most part, a tangible part of the relationship.
The writer is a Fellow in Foreign Policy & Security Studies with the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia