Malaysia’s Perception and Strategy toward China’s BRI Expansion: Continuity or Change?

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI − also known as One Belt One Road (OBOR)−is undoubtedly one of People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) largest yet most controversial development program of its kind worldwide. In the light of the controversy, the paper aims to study Malaysia’s perception and strategy toward China’s BRI expansion since the Najib’s administration. Based on the political economy analysis of Malaysia’s response from Najib to Mahathir 2.0 administrations, the paper focuses on the interaction between state and non-state actors such as the corporations, political parties and non-government organizations (NGOs). Particular attention will be given to the question of what accounts for the continuity or change in Malaysia’s perception and strategy toward China’s BRI expansion during the two different administrations. Given the institutional setting that gives rise to concentration of political and economic power in the hand of prime minister in Malaysia, its leadership plays a vital role in shaping the outcome of China’s BRI expansion in the country.