GE 13 : How Would Malaysia’s Role in the International Community Shift with Pakatan in Power?

Since GE12, Malaysia has proven to be a robust presence in world affairs time and again. From efforts at international diplomacy to expanded free trade, from countering the invasion of Lahad Datu to Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak's Global Movement of Moderates, Barisan Nasional can be proud of its track record.
Pakatan Rakyat's manifesto is silent on international affairs. What would be the effect of this silence?
The question is important for many reasons, as Malaysia's role in the international community impacts the peace and prosperity of our nation.
Malaysia benefits from foreign direct investment and strong international trade due to our reputation as a moderate, progressive Muslim country with strong ties within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Malaysia has also indirectly benefited from the recent efforts by the Government – especially by Najib – to become a leading voice of moderation. Brokering peace agreements throughout the region has led to greater global prominence and prestige, which again translate into better trade with the rest of the world.
Malaysia currently enjoys free trade agreements with six nations – including three of our largest trading partners, Japan, Australia and India – and free trade agreements through ASEAN with China and Korea. More agreements, as with Turkey, are expected soon. The Government has worked to transform ASEAN into true economic community by 2015, boosting trade and in turn taking the economy to greater heights.
The security landscape in our region has changed significantly over the last five years. China has become more assertive of old territorial claims against ASEAN nations and Japan. Small-scale conflict and limited wars are now very real possibilities. As shown by Lahad Datu, the threats Malaysia faces can be limited to small but violent incursions by non-state groups as well, requiring the armed forces to be prepared to handle an array of threats.
Trans-national crime, terrorism and piracy are growing threats, which BN has addressed, but on which Pakatan appears to have no policies.
In fact, Pakatan appear to have no policies on how to respond to guarantee peace and improve trade and prosperity.
The kindest explanation is that the Opposition will simply plan to continue BN's policies if elected, and do not wish to admit it. This is not merely uncharitable, it is also an insult to the rakyat, who deserve to know Pakatan's policies. It is also untenable, as BN brings decades of experience in foreign policy and Najib's remarkable track record and feel for these matters, which have been recognised across the world.
More likely, Pakatan's factious coalition have no cohesive policy on this, or worse do not understand its importance. This is dangerous, as it suggests that Pakatan would drift from one crisis to the next (as it does with domestic policy), and that long-term goals to enhance Malaysian prosperity would die or never come to be.
Foreign affairs are no mere afterthought, but are vital to Malaysia's peace and prosperity. It appears that a Pakatan government would allow both of those things to crumble from neglect.