Malaysia in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) an evaluative study (1969-2004)

Abstract

This study analyzes Malaysia’s contributions to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in three major spheres: trade, economy and politics. Taking a historical perspective, this study examines the extent of contributions made by the four successive Prime Ministers with particular focus on Tun Mahathir Mohamad. This analytical study is based upon government documents, speeches of Prime Ministers, memoirs and some scholarly writings. The framework used for this study argues that the contributions of Malaysia were in response to the internal or domestic environment as well as external environment. The study found that Malaysia being a Muslim majority country could not simply ignore the OIC and hence participate in its activities. The first Prime Minister, despite his pro-Western orientations, did take an active part in the formation of the Organization and served as its Secretary General for three years. The two prime ministers who succeeded him could not contribute much as their energies were consumed in restoring stability to the country and in facing harsh challenges emanating from the external environment. The period of Tun Mahathir Mohamad, however, is different. Malaysia was elected the 10th chairman of the OIC and most of its activities took place in Malaysia’s capital, Putrajaya. Malaysia’s contributions in term of trade, economic assistance and politics are considered impressive. OIC became the second priority in Malaysia’s foreign policy. External pressures, such as the incidents of September 11, 2001 and the like pushed Mahathir to play more active role in restructuring the Organization to cope with the challenges of the 21st century.