"IR concepts that are embedded in these [precolonial] texts have yet to be unpacked and incorporated into mainstream IR theorizing.

The ... precolonial Malay ideas of leadership, reputation, and nama help in understanding contemporary Malaysian foreign policy and diplomacy."
"[R]egime legitimation is achieved by what is identified and prioritized as foreign policy problems.

This is similar to the Raja-centered leadership of the past and how Malay rulers saw themselves in relation to their community."
"The theme also implies a desire for elite recognition, and in foreign policy analysis this is attributed to regime legitimation, and the need to be perceived as just, confident, independent, and respectable."
"In the Malaysian context, the desire to be recognized derives from the historical idea of kerajaan, which focuses on the raja-centered community.

The notion of power (military, economic, and so on) places second in this hierarchy of priorities."
"The concept of Kerajaan centered on the ruler–subject structure, as opposed to a ruler–territory (nation-state) system, offers less confusion.

The nature of trade ... allowed for the people to move around frequently, while retaining their identity as subjects of their Raja."
"Milner suggests that 'nama' or the prestige that is enhanced by diplomatic missions is an important motivation for foreign relations in the precolonial era."

"Hence, engagement enhances Malaysia's external 'nama',while reinforcing elite economic and political benefits at home."
"Indigenous concepts such as kerajaan, nama, and kangkong diplomacy have molded a sense of pride and belonging in the region ... such ideological autonomy enhances the indigenous flavor of the region and highlights active borrowing and modification from its India and China links"
"The Hikayat Hang Tuah mentions a diplomatic mission to the Ottoman ruler...Hang Tuah represented the raja on this mission and said that the Ottoman ruler “is a great raja” so it is “proper that we establish close relations with him so that Your Majesty's 'nama' will be famous”."
In 1969, Malaysia experienced Sino-Malay sectarian violence and national emergency for two years.

"Therefore, policy decisions by the Malay elite are geared toward their own political survival, whereby security, economic, and political choices are aimed at regime legitimation."

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