The Origins and Emergence of Malaysia’s Palestine-Oriented Non-Governmental Organisations
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Abstract
While considerable scholarly attention has been directed towards the analysis of Malaysia’s foreign policy throughout the years, there remains a notable dearth in the literature regarding the contributions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to the shaping of this policy. Furthermore, scant scholarly effort has been devoted to comprehending the origins and ascent of these consequential non-state actors. This study aims to illuminate the genesis of an expanding collective of Malaysian NGOs that actively contribute to the formulation of Malaysia’s foreign policy regarding Palestine—referred to herein as Palestine-oriented NGOs (PONGOs). Drawing upon a diverse array of primary sources, including interviews and official documents, and grounded in a robust theoretical framework that addresses the emergence of NGOs, this qualitative empirical inquiry presents a pioneering analysis of the inception of Malaysian PONGOs. Employing a thematic analysis methodology, this study integrates theories of NGO genesis with concepts related to Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs). Encompassing both domestic and international influences that underlie the emergence of these NGOs, this study is notably comprehensive. At the domestic level, this investigation examines and attempts to assess the roles played by several sociopolitical and socioeconomic factors, the impact of public sentiment, as well as the intricate interplay of various factions within the realm of political Islam. Concurrently, in the international sphere, this study meticulously examines the ramifications of the information technology revolution in disseminating information concerning Palestine. It delves into the roles enacted by PONGOs, unveils the symbiotic alignment of interests uniting Palestinian and Malaysian stakeholders, and delves into the sociocultural exchange between these two nations. Conclusively, the analysis discerns that due to the perpetual and evolving roles assumed by these distinct influencing factors, the trajectory of Malaysian PONGOs is poised for sustained expansion in the forthcoming years.
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