M Santhananaban
The US is marking its 250th anniversary of independence in grand, even lavish, style.
It is right to send the people of America our warm wishes on this historic day. We hope for their continued peace, prosperity and success.
A troubling presidency
It is disheartening, though, that the US is currently led by a divisive and unpredictable president. He seems focused on profit, self-glorification and expanding US territory beyond its borders.
He has also tried to impose his will on other nations. Canada, China, Russia and Iran have all pushed back successfully.
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He has stepped back from America’s long-held support for UN-led peace and development efforts. To much of the world, he appears willing to bully and browbeat his rivals.
US ties with many allies have weakened. Some relationships are now under serious strain, even in crisis. Meanwhile, US debt has reached levels many see as unsustainable – a risk to the wider world economy.
Checks and balances hold
Fortunately, both the US Congress and the Supreme Court have shown that presidential power has limits.
The Supreme Court recently struck down Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship, in a 6-3 ruling.
Echoes of 1976
Fifty years ago, during America’s bicentennial, the US had a very different kind of leader. Gerald Ford became the first person to serve as president without being elected to that office or the vice-presidency. He took over after Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal.
Under Nixon, the US had pursued detente with the Soviet Union and opened dialogue with China. Ford built on this work with Henry Kissinger and Brent Scowcroft.
When Jimmy Carter took office in January 1977, he normalised relations with China within two years, setting the tone for closer ties ahead.
Trump has reversed much of this progress. His tariffs, trade curbs and tough rhetoric have touched almost every global and bilateral issue.
Even so, the norms of diplomacy suggest the world is moving towards a more balanced, multipolar order.
Malaysia has a role to play here too, in strengthening Asean and supporting this process of trust-building. Careful, clear-eyed management of foreign policy will help protect our core interests.
Malaysia-US relations must continue to be handled in an orderly, professional way by our leaders and the Foreign Service.
Let us hope for continued peace, prosperity and stability for Malaysia and the wider Asean region.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
