By: Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa
PRIME Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has taken a significant step in rekindling Malaysia-Syria relations by recently initiating a phone call to congratulate President Ahmed al Sharaa on successfully forming a new government. This gesture signifies Malaysia’s support for a peaceful and inclusive future for Syria in the post-Assad era.
Further strengthening diplomatic ties, the Prime Minister extended an official invitation to President Ahmed al Sharaa to visit Malaysia, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
A Longstanding Relationship Rooted in Culture and Faith
Malaysia and Syria have shared a warm relationship since 1958, dating back to the time when Malaysia was still known as Malaya. The bond was originally established through shared cultural, religious, and educational interests.
As an early member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Malaysia forged strong relations with Egypt, a key ally of Syria. Malaysia has also been active in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), consistently voicing opposition to Israeli aggression in the region—supporting Syria and Egypt during the Arab-Israeli conflicts of 1948 and 1968.
In 2001, Syria established its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, followed by Malaysia opening its embassy in Damascus in 2002. This diplomatic engagement was further solidified with a state visit by the deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Malaysia in 2003, and a reciprocal visit by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajudin Jamalullail, later that year.
Collaboration in Education, Agriculture, and Technology
Malaysia has offered bilateral cooperation with Syria in areas such as education, agriculture, and technology. Both nations continue to share a strong stance against the oppression of Palestinians and have raised their voices on international platforms to defend Palestinian rights.
Before the onset of the Syrian conflict and the Arab Spring, many Malaysian students pursued their studies in Syria, particularly in Islamic and Shariah studies, often continuing to Egypt or other Arab countries. Syria, alongside Egypt, was recognized for its scholarly excellence. Similarly, Syrian students have been welcomed into Malaysian universities, especially the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Although this educational exchange was disrupted due to internal conflict and regional instability, the legacy of academic collaboration remains significant.
Syria in the Malaysian Perspectives
For many Malaysians, especially those with a background in Islamic education, Syria holds deep historical and emotional significance. Damascus, once the heart of the Umayyad Caliphate, is often highlighted in Islamic history classes and academic discourse.
The 1982 Hama massacre deeply affected Islamic movements in Malaysia, fostering sympathy for the victims and shaping critical views toward the Assad regime. Yet, Syria continues to be revered as part of the historic Levant—known in Arabic as Bilad al-Sham—a region integral to the rise of Islamic civilization.
This region includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, western Iraq, southern Turkey, and northern Saudi Arabia. It has produced many renowned Islamic scholars such as Izzuddin ibn Abd al-Salam, titled Sultan al-Ulama, and Imam al-Nawawi, whose name is derived from the Syrian town of Nawa.
Contemporary scholars like Said Ramadhan al-Bouti and Wahbah al-Zuhayli also remain influential among Malaysian religious teachers and preachers, reflecting the spiritual connection between the two nations.
A Vision for Rebuilding Syria
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, known for his commitment to education and justice, no doubt views Syria through a lens of shared history and common struggle. His dedication to the Palestinian cause underscores his broader vision for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Malaysia’s close ties with Türkiye and other Arab nations position it well to support Syria’s reconstruction, guided by a spirit of solidarity and humanitarian concern.
A nation cannot prosper without internal unity, political stability, and economic resilience. Malaysia, with its successful model of multicultural coexistence, can offer valuable insights into building a cohesive and peaceful society.
The formation of a new Syria must be inclusive, engaging all segments of society through a progressive and forward-thinking constitution. National consensus is critical at this stage of Syria’s development.
A New Chapter in Malaysia-Syria Relations
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s invitation to President Ahmed al Sharaa is more than a diplomatic formality—it is a symbolic revival of the historic relationship between two nations bound by shared values, culture, and civilization.
Malaysians will undoubtedly welcome the Syrian President’s visit, marking a hopeful beginning to a renewed era of cooperation in a world increasingly defined by complexity and uncertainty.
The writer is the Deputy President Parti Amanah Negara (AMANAH) and Member of the Senate.
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