LETTER: The inauguration and the renewal of American leadership with Joe Biden as the 46th United States President, is momentous and significant to the entire world, showing the importance of American role in global affairs.
America's importance to us in Malaysia is undeniable and this will only grow stronger as understanding and exchanges are rapidly developed and high level collaborative initiatives are in gear.
The immediate and long-term impact of close and solid ties are vital not only to the economic and security needs, but also most importantly in helping closer cultural appreciation and understanding at the societal level and further enriching people to people ties.
The turn of the new century and the end of the Cold War brought about a seismic shift in the global security dimension with the shift towards non-traditional threats and the shift back now to big power rivalry.
The strengthening of comprehensive cooperation with the US in defence and security fields especially in the sharing of intelligence, technical and military expertise, know-how, training and exchanges and close cooperation will further reinforce the spirit of trust and understanding.
This is where the presence and support of the US in providing 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 global focus on this continent as the driver of the future growth engine that will be led by a dynamic and vibrant workforce and human capital on the road to become the next frontier of growth and market for the US and the world.
This provides exciting and interesting opening for our country to carefully and strategically position our strength and role in leading this journey and this is where the US will come into play as the ever importantly needed partner for the future of the country and the region.
Debates, however, will remain on the consequences of the military presence of the US in the region, the increasing prospect of choosing sides and being drawn into the great power rivalry between the US-China.
US-Malaysia cooperation in non-military and humanitarian fields will go a long way in further cementing closer understanding. Various impactful and meaningful social and educational initiatives that have been in place with the likes of the Fulbright Program and others have further brought greater connection between us.
Therefore, a greater pool of expanded activities and engagement in more avenues should be initiated and facilitated. It is crucial for Malaysia to continue building deeper ties with the US in all dimensions.
I believe our proven and time-tested relations with America will endure. Our ties will continue to be of great importance not only for both nations but will remain significant for the region and in the wider developing world.
A new dawn of exciting and meaningful rejuvenation in our friendship is on the horizon under the Biden presidency. It is our fervent hope and aspirations that US – Malaysia ties will continue to be strong, resilient and forward looking.
COLLINS CHONG
Melaka
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times