Foreign relations in Sejarah means explaining why Malaysia dealt with other countries and organisations the way it did. The answer is a reason, backed by an example, and placed in order.
This cluster is part of SPM Sejarah. It follows naturally from the formation of Malaysia, because a new country has to decide how to relate to its neighbours.
What does the chapter cover?
Four lessons build the skill in a sensible order.
- Explaining factors influencing foreign relations shows the reasons behind a country’s choices.
- Identifying the roles of international organisations separates what each body does.
- Comparing bilateral and multilateral cooperation sets two-country and many-country arrangements side by side.
- Using historical examples with the correct dates pairs each example with the right year.
Test yourself on the practice set when you finish.
One choice, two factors
Malaysia was one of five founding members of ASEAN, which was founded in Bangkok on 8 August 1967. 1 A weak answer says “Malaysia joined ASEAN in 1967” and stops.
A stronger answer gives two factors. One is security and political: the declaration aimed to promote regional peace and stability. The other is economic and social: the declaration also aimed to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development. 2
The stronger answer earns marks because each factor is a reason that links the decision to the result.
Who should start where?
If you know the organisations but not the reasons, start with lesson one. If you confuse what each organisation does, start with lesson two. If you mix up dates, go directly to lesson four and then return to the others.
Use the evidence-to-explanation planner to turn examples into full answers. For a teacher to work through your answers, see online one-to-one Sejarah tuition.