When it's a matter of relations with Israel, the Malaysian government such as on the horns because any incident could impact the government's image in the eyes of the people. A brief review of Malaysia-Israel relations historiography reveals that while there is a large amount of literature on the negative aspects between the two countries, not much is written about the positive aspects of the past, bringing to the Look-To-Israel idea. This study will examine the extent of the Malaysian government's acceptance against Israeli involvement in this country, the sectors involved, contributing to the importance of this study because it identifies the scale and scope of the relationship between Israel and Malaysia despite the absence of diplomatic relations over the years. Answers to these questions will provide the basis for determining and understanding the level of relations between the Israeli government and the Malaysian government.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Look-To-Israel Idea
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This study examines the extent of the Malaysian government's acceptance of Israeli involvement in Malaysia from 1957 to 2003, focusing on the sectors involved. It aims to understand the level of relations between the Israeli and Malaysian governments despite the absence of diplomatic relations. The study complements previous research by utilizing different primary sources.
- The Malaysian government's policy toward Israel and the complexities of maintaining relations without formal diplomatic ties.
- The evolution of Malaysian public and political opinion regarding Israel.
- Specific sectors of interaction between Malaysia and Israel (e.g., trade, sports).
- The influence of regional and international politics on Malaysia-Israel relations.
- Key figures and their roles in shaping Malaysia's approach to Israel.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage for the study by highlighting the sensitive nature of Malaysia-Israel relations and the scarcity of research focusing on positive historical interactions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the scope and scale of the relationship despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. The study's methodology, focusing on newspaper research and a specific timeframe (1957-2003), is also outlined. The limited existing scholarship is acknowledged and the contribution of this research is clearly defined.
The Look-To-Israel Idea: This chapter delves into specific instances of interaction between Malaysia and Israel, demonstrating both the pragmatic and the politically sensitive aspects of these exchanges. Examples discussed range from trade relations (with emphasis on rubber and other commodities) to sports diplomacy, specifically mentioning Tunku Abdul Rahman's involvement with the Asian Football Confederation and the 1964 Asian Football Cup in Israel. The chapter highlights the tension between acknowledging Israel's existence and the political sensitivities involved, particularly with respect to Arab countries. The chapter’s significance lies in documenting the often-overlooked instances of engagement which challenge the prevailing narrative of complete estrangement.
Keywords
Malaysia-Israel relations, Look-To-Israel, diplomatic relations, trade, sports diplomacy, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, political sensitivities, Arab world, Zionism, newspaper research, primary sources, historical analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Malaysia-Israel Relations (1957-2003)
What is the focus of this study?
This study examines the extent of the Malaysian government's acceptance of Israeli involvement in Malaysia from 1957 to 2003, focusing on the sectors involved. It aims to understand the level of relations between the Israeli and Malaysian governments despite the absence of diplomatic relations. The research utilizes primary sources, complementing previous studies.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the Malaysian government's policy toward Israel and the complexities of maintaining relations without formal diplomatic ties; the evolution of Malaysian public and political opinion regarding Israel; specific sectors of interaction (e.g., trade, sports); the influence of regional and international politics; and the roles of key figures in shaping Malaysia's approach to Israel.
What is the "Look-To-Israel Idea"?
The "Look-To-Israel Idea" refers to the instances of interaction between Malaysia and Israel, showcasing both pragmatic and politically sensitive aspects of these exchanges. Examples include trade relations (rubber and other commodities) and sports diplomacy, notably Tunku Abdul Rahman's involvement with the Asian Football Confederation and the 1964 Asian Football Cup in Israel. This chapter highlights the tension between acknowledging Israel's existence and political sensitivities related to Arab countries.
What primary sources were used in this research?
The study primarily uses newspaper research within the timeframe of 1957-2003. The introduction specifically mentions this methodology and the contribution it makes to existing scholarship.
What is the significance of this study?
This research contributes to a better understanding of Malaysia-Israel relations by documenting often-overlooked instances of engagement. It challenges the prevailing narrative of complete estrangement between the two countries by highlighting the complexities and nuances of their relationship, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
What are the key figures mentioned in this study?
Key figures mentioned include Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who played significant roles in shaping Malaysia's approach to Israel.
What is covered in the introduction and conclusion?
The introduction sets the stage, highlighting the sensitive nature of the relationship, the scarcity of research on positive interactions, and the study's methodology. The conclusion is not explicitly detailed in the provided summary.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Malaysia-Israel relations, Look-To-Israel, diplomatic relations, trade, sports diplomacy, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, political sensitivities, Arab world, Zionism, newspaper research, primary sources, historical analysis.
What is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents includes: Introduction, The Look-To-Israel Idea, and Conclusion.
- Quote paper
- Uqbah Iqbal (Author), 2015, The History of the Look-To-Israel Idea in Malaysia (1957-2003), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/296038
