CCFP to help in preparing policy framework
PUTRAJAYA: The newly-minted Consultative Council on Foreign Policy (CCFP) consisting of experts in the field and civil society representatives will advise the Foreign Ministry in preparing a foreign policy framework of the New Malaysia.
The 15-member panel held its first meeting yesterday chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
“One of the council’s objectives is to advise the ministry in preparing a foreign policy framework of the New Malaysia.
“I have to explain that this is however not a new foreign policy. There are new priorities and emphasis (by the new government) but it is within continuity (of what has been done before).
“The components of the framework include the foreign policy direction of Malaysia, empowerment of the ministry, enhancing strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and increasing public participation,” Saifuddin told reporters at Wisma Putra after chairing the meeting.
While there is no deadline, he said the panel was trying to come up with the framework as soon as possible.
The council consists of five ministry officials and the other 10 are representatives from NGOs and the private sector as well as international relations experts.
Panel members include South- South cooperation expert Martin Khor, former ambassador Datuk Redzuan Kushairi, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia commissioner Jerald Joseph, and Sabah Environmental Protection Association representative Alice Mathew.
Saifuddin said it was important to ensure the participation of the civil society in playing an advisory role to the government.
“It is one of the cornerstones of the new government. We believe in consultation and one of the ways to do it is to involve the public and private sectors in the panel,” he said.
It is learnt that the council will meet a maximum of four times a year.
The panel in its first meeting had discussed 11 areas of concern including international issues such as Internet governance at the global level.
Saifuddin added that there have been international debates on the issue with western and eastern countries having differing views on whether the Internet should be reg- ulated or otherwise.
“There is already a committee in Geneva discussing Internet governance.
“Although there is no United Nations resolution on Internet governance yet, Malaysia must be prepared,” he said.
Saifuddin said that Malaysia must be prepared to protect its national cybersecurity amid issues such as hacking.
“One thing for sure is that we have a problem with hacking and we have been discussing cybersecurity.
“The panel is looking at these issues and trends,” he said.