We need to defend Ukraine so that Malaysia will be defended in future - Wong Chin Huat
Political scientist says Malaysia should criticise Russia's invasion in Ukraine
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His reminder was: “Looking at the current geopolitical issues of our country and with the power invasion of the east, we may be in the same position as Ukraine".
Today marks the seventh day of Ukraine being invaded by Russia, with thousands killed and injured meanwhile over 660,000 became refugees but Vladimir Putin sympathisers may feel the invasion is the right approach to safeguard the safety of Russia.
According to them, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should not be extended to include former Soviet satellite countries such as Poland and Hungary and other states formerly under the Soviet Union - Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Ukraine in pursuing its membership.
This argument is based on the ‘sphere of influence’, a study that big powers have the power to determine the rules in neighboring countries, and not allow other powers to interfere. An example that can be taken is the Monroe Doctrine by President Monroe in the 19th Century, his country had opposed the colonisation of European powers in the western hemisphere.
If we take this view, Russia is a victim of intimidation by the United States and Putin as a national leader is defending his country’s interest. No matter how many Ukrainians are killed, Russia feels they are innocent because a small country like Ukraine has no right to determine its foreign policy.
Putin's speech on Feb 22, two days before the full-force invasion on Ukraine, denied the legitimacy of Ukraine as a state and sees it as an ally to Russia and an inseparable part of the country.
Putin does not only want to safeguard the safety of Russia around its border but also to restore the ancient Russian empire. Greed is the greatest factor as countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland were once conquered and placed under the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union to seek protection from NATO.
In fact, Malaysia used to be a victim of the sphere of influence for two years and eight months since January 1963 when Indonesia tried to bring Malaysia down by accusing the country as a neo-colonialism project, claiming it was disrupting Indonesia’s safety.
During the Indonesia-Malaysia isolated confrontations that took hundreds of lives, Indonesia was supported by the Soviet Union, China, North Vietnam and the Philippines.
Many third world countries that are considered to be anti-colonialism” did not denounce Indonesia's claims on colonialism in Malaysia as China, India and the United Arab Emirates refused to denounce Russia. Those who supported Malaysia were the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, the United States and Canada.
Interestingly, this chapter of history is remembered by Ukrainians in Malaysia through an appeal on change.org for Malaysia to recognise Russia's atrocities against Ukraine as part of aggression, as some ministers may have kept this aside.
Indonesia is now a good neighbour but this does not mean Malaysia is no longer seen by the larger powers within their sphere of influence.
We need to defend Ukraine today so that Malaysia will be defended in the future. If Russia can easily change the international borders in Europe, isn’t it the same with other major powers in Asia?
Who will be defending Malaysia if there is a power that try to seize our land?
Wong Chin Huat is a political scientist.
The views expressed in the article are author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
