Page 13 - Focus_in_Continuity_a_Monograph
P. 13
Malaysia and Health Diplomacy 08
We witnessed the various ways countries
around the world ‘reacted’ to SOPs being
implemented and executed. Clearly, the
mindset of the public varies vastly from
one country to another. This explains why
it was ‘easier’ to implement SOPs such as
a. There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to mask-wearing during the pandemic in
this as it depends on a case-by-case basis. some countries, whilst we witnessed mass
Having been in the international health amounts of people rallying against these
scene for decades now, I can tell you that SOPs as they strongly felt it infringed upon
multilateral and bilateral health diplomacy their basic human rights.
certainly has its own set of strengths.
There is an abundance of benefits that can Therefore, taking into account the unique
come out of a multilateral relationship personalities and receptivity of each
amongst countries. This has been seen nation, I personally think that while it is
via the WHO, ASEAN, OIC and other possible to develop universal advisory,
multilateral platforms.
adherence to it is another matter
altogether. The challenges are aplenty and
b. Countries within the region would work again, adherence to each policy or SOP
together towards a positive outcome. developed will have to take into account
Nevertheless, the role of bilateral the local settings, as it will have to be
relationships between countries cannot be customised accordingly. Of course, it
undermined as well. Whilst some global does not hinder collaboration between
health issues can be addressed on a countries especially when it comes to
multilateral platform, there are times when travelling and vaccination to ease or
a more specific bilateral approach may be minimise bureaucracy, particularly in the
required particularly when dealing with a COVID-19 context.
sensitive issue that is unique to just the two
countries involved. This is especially true
for our neighbouring countries. As with Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham
any other negotiations, ideally, the gold Abdullah is the Director-General of
outcome is to ensure that it is a win-win Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. He is
situation for both parties of the bilateral also the current President of Malaysia
negotiations. Medical Council (MMC) and a Member of
Board of Directors of the Drugs for
Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi).
