Japan Leverages Madani Framework To Strengthen Ties With Malaysia

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- As the world contends with climate change, regional security challenges, and the pursuit of economic resilience, Japan continues to strengthen its close bond with Malaysia as a key partner.

In his first exclusive interview since taking office last month, Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata, shared his vision with Bernama to elevate Japan-Malaysia ties by addressing climate change, enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening regional security.

Advancing Climate Action Through MADANI

At the heart of Shikata's strategy is Malaysia’s MADANI framework, which he lauded as a blueprint for tackling global challenges, especially climate change.

"Malaysia has a strong commitment to sustainable development, and its MADANI framework aligns well with Japan’s vision for a low-carbon future," he said in a recent interview.

Japan, he said is eager to collaborate on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technology — areas where Malaysia’s rich natural resources and Japan’s technological expertise can create impactful synergies.

"Malaysia's abundant energy resources, coupled with Japan’s advanced technologies, offer a promising avenue for sustainable development,” he said.

Enhancing Regional Security Cooperation

As Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN next year, Shikata highlighted the importance of collaboration on maritime security, particularly in the South China Sea, a region often fraught with tensions.

He said Japan has been collaborating with the Philippines and the United States to address issues in the South China Sea. 

"It is crucial to oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force and to seek peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law," he noted.

He reiterated Japan’s commitment to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, which aligns with ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

"Improving connectivity between ASEAN and the Indian subcontinent through initiatives like FOIP can contribute to peace and prosperity in the region," he added.

Deepening Economic Partnerships

On the economic front, Shikata said the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) frameworks offer significant opportunities for increased trade and investment between the two nations.

"These agreements not only promote trade and investment but also create pathways for economic integration that benefit both Japan and Malaysia.

"We are exploring ways to enhance connectivity between our countries, both in terms of infrastructure and digital transformation. This will facilitate the flow of goods, services, and people between the two countries," he said.

The importance of these trade agreements was underscored during Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Japan, where he reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to leveraging such frameworks to foster greater regional cooperation.

Anwar's discussions with Japanese officials also focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment, with particular emphasis on sustainable development and economic resilience.

Shikata described that the upcoming ASEAN-related summits hosted by Malaysia next year would be a pivotal platform to elevate bilateral cooperation.

"This will be a golden opportunity for Japan and Malaysia to set a model for other ASEAN countries in achieving the Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) vision,” he said.

On future investments, Shikata said Japan is keen to explore opportunities in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and tourism.

Japanese companies are particularly interested in Malaysia’s halal industry and its potential as a global halal hub, he stated.

Japan has been Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner since 2015. In 2022, trade between the two nations was valued at RM181.51 billion (US$41.21 billion), accounting for 6.4 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.

Within the ASEAN region, Japan was the fourth-largest trading partner in 2022, contributing to seven per cent of the total trade between ASEAN and the global market.

-- BERNAMA