Berkley Center

China’s alleged persecution of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang has gained attention among Muslims in Malaysia. The Chinese embassy in Malaysia takes a proactive role in conducting influence operations to counter negative views of China. Speaking out against injustice towards Muslims at home and abroad may increase the popularity of Muslim politicians and activists among segments of Malaysian Muslims. Nonetheless, these leaders are cognizant of not jeopardizing Malaysia’s economic development in an environment of U.S.-China geopolitical competition, so they choose a balanced position. In this policy brief Hew Wai Weng argues that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration is likely to maintain this approach.

This working paper was written as part of the Geopolitics of Religious Soft Power project, a research initiative of Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs. This article arises from a partnership between the project and the United States Institute of Peace focused on understanding how the geopolitics of religion shapes peace and conflict dynamics in particular regional and country settings. The statements made and views expressed are solely the responsibility of the respective author(s).