Malaysia and the Arab Spring (original) (raw)

This study examines Malaysia's official stance and response to the Arab Spring, particularly under Prime Minister Najib Razak. It critiques the notion of 'justly balanced moderation' espoused by Najib, arguing that this rhetoric serves as a facade for a more self-serving, hands-off foreign policy that prioritizes national self-interest over engagement with the Arab world. By exploring the lack of political or economic incentives for deeper involvement, the paper highlights how this approach allowed Malaysia to navigate international scrutiny without active engagement.