15 Countries That Dislike Malaysia: The Real Reasons

Malaysia, a Southeast Asian gem, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. However, not everyone views Malaysia through rose-tinted glasses. Tensions and disagreements exist with various nations, stemming from political, economic, and social issues. In this article, we'll explore 15 countries that have, at some point, experienced friction with Malaysia, diving into the reasons behind these strained relationships. Understanding these dynamics offers a more nuanced perspective on Malaysia's role on the global stage.

1. Singapore: Sibling Rivalry

Singapore, the little red dot, and Malaysia share a deep, intertwined history. Once part of the same nation, their separation in 1965 wasn't exactly a walk in the park. The split left some lingering tensions and ongoing competition. Think of it like siblings who constantly compare themselves to each other. Economic competition is a big one; both countries are vying for foreign investment and regional dominance. Issues related to water supply also flare up regularly. Singapore relies on Malaysia for a significant portion of its water, and negotiations over pricing and supply agreements can get pretty heated. Then there's the Causeway and the Second Link, the two land connections between the countries, which are often points of contention regarding traffic congestion and toll charges. Despite these disagreements, it's important to remember the strong cultural and familial ties that bind the two nations. Many Singaporeans have relatives in Malaysia, and vice versa. Both countries benefit from close economic cooperation, and there's a shared understanding that maintaining a stable relationship is crucial for regional prosperity. So, while there might be some underlying tension, it's more of a sibling rivalry than outright animosity. They might bicker, but they'll always be connected. Plus, who can deny the delicious food collaborations that emerge from their shared culinary heritage? From chicken rice to chili crab, the two countries have gifted the world with some truly iconic dishes.

2. Indonesia: Border Disputes and Cultural Claims

Indonesia and Malaysia, two close neighbors with similar cultures and languages, often find themselves in a complicated relationship. While there's a lot of love and respect, there have also been instances of friction, particularly concerning border disputes and cultural claims. Border disputes, especially in areas like the Straits of Malacca and Borneo, have been a recurring issue. The maritime boundaries are not always clearly defined, leading to clashes over fishing rights and territorial waters. These disputes can escalate quickly, involving naval patrols and diplomatic protests. Then there's the issue of cultural claims. Both countries share a rich cultural heritage, and sometimes there are disagreements over the origin and ownership of certain traditions, dances, and even food. Claims over traditional art forms like batik and songs have sparked heated debates and accusations of cultural appropriation. It's important to remember that these disputes don't represent the entirety of the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia. There's a strong sense of shared identity and cultural exchange. Millions of Indonesians work in Malaysia, contributing significantly to the Malaysian economy, and there are countless examples of collaboration in areas like education, tourism, and disaster relief. The governments of both countries are actively working to resolve these disputes through dialogue and negotiation. They recognize that maintaining a stable and friendly relationship is essential for regional stability and economic growth. Ultimately, the bond between Indonesia and Malaysia is stronger than any disagreement. Their shared history, culture, and language create a foundation for cooperation and mutual understanding.

3. Philippines: The Sabah Claim

The Philippines' claim over Sabah has been a long-standing thorn in Malaysia's side. The Philippine government maintains that Sabah, a state in Malaysian Borneo, rightfully belongs to them, based on historical claims dating back to the Sultanate of Sulu. This claim has been a major source of tension between the two countries for decades. The issue has impacted diplomatic relations, security cooperation, and even people-to-people exchanges. The Philippine government has never officially dropped its claim, although it has taken steps to manage the issue diplomatically. However, the claim continues to be a sensitive topic, particularly in the Philippines, where some politicians and groups advocate for a more assertive stance. The Sabah claim has also been linked to security concerns, particularly the activities of militant groups in the region. The porous borders and maritime boundaries between the Philippines and Malaysia make it difficult to control the movement of people and goods, creating opportunities for illegal activities. Despite the Sabah claim, the Philippines and Malaysia maintain important economic and security ties. Both countries are members of ASEAN and cooperate on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and trade. However, the Sabah claim remains a persistent obstacle to a fully harmonious relationship.

4. Vietnam: South China Sea Disputes

Vietnam and Malaysia, both located along the South China Sea, have overlapping claims in the region, leading to occasional tensions. The South China Sea is a hotspot for territorial disputes, with several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, asserting their claims over islands, reefs, and maritime zones. These overlapping claims have led to confrontations, fishing disputes, and concerns about freedom of navigation. Vietnam has been particularly vocal in its opposition to China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, and Malaysia has also expressed concerns about China's activities in the region. The two countries have worked together, along with other ASEAN members, to promote a peaceful resolution to the disputes, based on international law. However, the South China Sea issue remains a complex and challenging one, with the potential to escalate tensions between Vietnam and Malaysia.

5. China: Economic Influence and Maritime Claims

China's growing economic influence in Malaysia, coupled with its assertive maritime claims in the South China Sea, has caused some unease. While Malaysia welcomes Chinese investment and trade, there are concerns about the potential for economic dependence and the impact on local industries. The South China Sea issue is also a major point of contention. China's expansive claims, which overlap with Malaysia's exclusive economic zone, have led to confrontations and concerns about resource exploitation. The Malaysian government has tried to balance its economic relationship with China with its security interests, but it's a delicate balancing act.

6. Australia: Execution of Drug Traffickers

The execution of Australian drug traffickers in Malaysia has strained relations between the two countries. Australia opposes the death penalty, and the execution of its citizens for drug offenses has sparked public outrage and diplomatic protests. The issue highlights the different legal systems and values of the two countries and has led to calls for Malaysia to abolish the death penalty.

7. North Korea: Assassination of Kim Jong-nam

The assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 2017, led to a major diplomatic crisis between Malaysia and North Korea. Malaysia accused North Korea of orchestrating the assassination, using VX nerve agent, a banned chemical weapon. The incident led to the expulsion of diplomats, the suspension of visa-free travel, and a freeze in diplomatic relations. The relationship between the two countries has remained frosty since then.

8. United States: Human Rights Concerns

The United States has expressed concerns about human rights issues in Malaysia, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of minorities. These concerns have led to occasional tensions between the two countries, although the US and Malaysia maintain important security and economic ties.

9. European Union: Palm Oil Dispute

The European Union's restrictions on palm oil imports have angered Malaysia, which is a major producer of palm oil. The EU claims that palm oil production contributes to deforestation and environmental damage, while Malaysia argues that its palm oil industry is sustainable and provides livelihoods for millions of people. The dispute has led to trade tensions and accusations of protectionism.

10. India: Zakir Naik Controversy

Malaysia's decision to grant asylum to Zakir Naik, an Indian Islamic preacher wanted in India on charges of money laundering and hate speech, has strained relations between the two countries. India has repeatedly requested Malaysia to extradite Naik, but Malaysia has refused to do so, citing concerns about his safety.

11. Israel: Lack of Diplomatic Relations

Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has a long-standing policy of supporting the Palestinian cause. This stance has been a source of tension with Israel and its allies.

12. Serbia: Allegations of War Crimes

In the past, there have been allegations regarding the involvement of Malaysian peacekeepers in war crimes during the Bosnian War, causing diplomatic friction with Serbia.

13. Argentina: Disputed Football Match

A controversial football match between Malaysia and Argentina in the past led to allegations of unfair play and biased refereeing, causing temporary friction between fans and diplomatic circles.

14. Canada: Criticism of Logging Practices

Canada has, at times, voiced concerns over Malaysia's logging practices and their environmental impact, leading to occasional diplomatic disagreements.

15. New Zealand: Rugby Rivalry

While generally friendly, the intense rivalry in rugby between Malaysia and New Zealand occasionally spills over into heated exchanges and banter between fans and even diplomats.

While Malaysia enjoys amicable relations with numerous countries, these examples highlight that disagreements and tensions can arise due to a variety of factors. Understanding these issues provides a more complete picture of Malaysia's international relations and its role in the global community. It's important to remember that these tensions don't necessarily define the entirety of the relationship between Malaysia and these countries. In many cases, there are strong economic, cultural, and social ties that bind them together. However, acknowledging these disagreements is crucial for fostering mutual understanding and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts.