PERKEMBANGAN HUBUNGAN BILATERAL FILIPINA-MALAYSIA 1957-2010

Abstract

This article analyzes Philippines-Malaysia relations from 1957 to 2010. During that period, bilateral relations between both countries became strained when President Diosdado Macapagal formally submitted the Philippines' claim on Sabah in 1962. Since then, relations between the Philippines and Malaysia have often been overshadowed by issues surrounding the claim. Existing studies have however focused only on the issue. Other aspects that influenced bilateral relations have not received specific attention. The purpose of this article is therefore to highlight some of the other important aspects that have shaped the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The study is using qualitative method based on archival sources. There are four important aspects to consider as the findings of this study. First, the close cooperation between the Philippines -Malaysia in ensuring the safety and stability in the Sulu Sea and North Borneo waters. The result of the sharing of information and cooperation between the Philippine Army and the Malaysian Armed Forces helped to solve the problem of piracy, smuggling and cross-border crimes. Second, the importance of trade and economic relations between the two countries. This is because bilateral trade grew exponentially during the period under study. Third, Bilateral cooperation in business and infrastructure. Fourth, cooperation in labour supply. The Philippines became an important source of labor supply to meet the shortage of labor in Malaysia, especially in Sabah. The Philippine government also often relied heavily on remittances from overseas to increase its income and alleviate its economic problems

Received: ​16​ ​August​ 2019

Reviewed: 2 September 2019

Accepted: 12 October 2019