Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia played a significant and proactive role in assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina both during and immediately after the Bosnian War (1992–1995), acting as a "champion" for the Bosniak Muslim community. Mahathir's efforts were driven by a sense of duty to help fellow Muslims, outrage at the inaction of Western powers, and a desire to uphold human rights, leading to substantial political, financial, and rebuilding support.
Key efforts and initiatives by Malaysia post-civil war included:
Long-Term Military Support and Security: After the 1995 Dayton Agreement, Malaysia continued its support by transitioning its peacekeepers (MALBATT) into the NATO-led IFOR (Implementation Force) and SFOR (Stabilization Force) to help maintain peace. Malaysia helped train Bosnian armed forces to ensure they could secure their own country's peace and stability.
Financial and Economic Reconstruction: Malaysia contributed to rebuilding infrastructure, including building schools and mosques. In 2001, Malaysia supported a $20-million joint investment project in Sarajevo (Bosmal D.O.O.) for a multi-storey commercial and residential complex.
Humanitarian and Educational Support: Malaysia supported the reconstruction of Bosnia through the donation of funds, and through the 1990s and early 2000s, provided opportunities for education. Bosnian students and professionals who had taken refuge in Malaysia during the war returned home with English proficiency and computer skills, helping them secure jobs in international organizations aiding reconstruction.
Diplomatic and Political Advocacy: Mahathir continued to act as a strong advocate for Bosnia on the international stage, pushing for the rights of Bosniaks and lobbying for foreign investment in the newly independent country.
Honoring the Efforts: Due to the immense support from Malaysia and Mahathir, a monument of gratitude to Mahathir Mohamad was unveiled in Sarajevo in 2020.
Background on wartime support (pre-1995):
Before the war ended, Mahathir sent Malaysian soldiers to join UN Peacekeeping Operations. Malaysia also opened its doors to Bosnian refugees, accepting them without visas during the conflict.
Note: The primary sources of information regarding Malaysia's support during this period indicate that the effort to aid Bosnia was strongly pushed by Mahathir as part of an active foreign policy, often criticizing the UN and Western powers for their inaction.
Malaysia and Bosnia and Herzegovina maintain strong bilateral relations, characterized by economic cooperation, investment projects, and historical support from Malaysia in the reconstruction of Bosnia. Key areas of collaboration include trade, investment, defence, and the halal sector.
Key Projects and Economic Cooperation
Investments: Malaysian investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina exceeded RM160 million as of early 2024, focused on sectors like property development, hotels, and restaurants.
Malaysian-Bosnian Joint Project (Bosmal): Bank Islam (Labuan) Ltd has previously provided significant loans for construction projects, including the Bosmal City Centre in Sarajevo.
Halal and Agriculture: Both countries cooperate closely in the agricultural and halal sectors, with three Malaysian Islamic banks operating in Bosnia since 2010.
Infrastructure: Malaysia has shown readiness to participate in infrastructure, energy, and business networking projects, as highlighted in 2019.
Business Council: The Malaysia-Bosnia and Herzegovina Business Council (MBBC) was launched in 2014 to enhance economic ties and strengthen business links.
Diplomatic and Historical Cooperation
Defence and Training: Since 2003, Bosnia has participated in the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme, with 82 personnel trained by 2009 in areas like UN peacekeeping, logistics, and law.
International Support: Malaysia was a strong supporter of Bosnia-Herzegovina during the conflict in the 1990s, actively opposing the UN and Western policies.
Tourism: The Embassy of Malaysia in Sarajevo has actively worked to boost tourism links, preparing for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Visa Policy: Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for tourism purposes for up to 3 months.
Recent Developments
2024 Forum: The Malaysia-Bosnia and Herzegovina International Business Forum 2024 was organized to strengthen economic partnerships.
Trade Growth: Bilateral trade between the two nations increased by 32.2% in 2023.
Diplomatic Support: Malaysia has historically provided strong diplomatic support, with Bosnian citizens often viewing Malaysia as a key friend.
Bahasa Melayu:[Translation]
Usaha dan inisiatif utama oleh Kerajaan Malaysia pasca perang saudara Pembangunan Semula Bosnia Herzagovina.
Di bawah kepimpinan Perdana Menteri Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia memainkan peranan penting dan proaktif dalam membantu Bosnia dan Herzegovina semasa dan sejurus selepas Perang Bosnia (1992–1995), bertindak sebagai "juara" untuk komuniti Muslim Bosniak. Usaha Mahathir didorong oleh rasa tanggungjawab untuk membantu sesama Muslim, kemarahan terhadap ketidakaktifan kuasa Barat, dan keinginan untuk menegakkan hak asasi manusia, yang membawa kepada sokongan politik, kewangan dan pembangunan semula yang besar.
Usaha dan inisiatif utama oleh Malaysia pasca perang saudara termasuk:
Sokongan dan Keselamatan Ketenteraan Jangka Panjang: Selepas Perjanjian Dayton 1995, Malaysia meneruskan sokongannya dengan memindahkan pasukan pengamannya (MALBATT) kepada IFOR (Pasukan Pelaksanaan) dan SFOR (Pasukan Penstabilan) yang diketuai NATO untuk membantu mengekalkan keamanan. Malaysia membantu melatih angkatan tentera Bosnia bagi memastikan mereka dapat menjamin keamanan dan kestabilan negara mereka sendiri.
Pembinaan Semula Kewangan dan Ekonomi: Malaysia menyumbang kepada pembinaan semula infrastruktur, termasuk membina sekolah dan masjid. Pada tahun 2001, Malaysia menyokong projek pelaburan bersama bernilai $20 juta di Sarajevo (Bosmal D.O.O.) untuk kompleks komersial dan kediaman bertingkat.
Sokongan Kemanusiaan dan Pendidikan: Malaysia menyokong pembinaan semula Bosnia melalui sumbangan dana, dan sepanjang tahun 1990-an dan awal 2000-an, menyediakan peluang untuk pendidikan. Pelajar dan profesional Bosnia yang telah berlindung di Malaysia semasa perang pulang ke tanah air dengan kemahiran Bahasa Inggeris dan komputer, membantu mereka mendapatkan pekerjaan dalam organisasi antarabangsa yang membantu pembinaan semula.
Advokasi Diplomatik dan Politik: Mahathir terus bertindak sebagai penyokong kuat untuk Bosnia di pentas antarabangsa, memperjuangkan hak-hak Bosniak dan melobi pelaburan asing di negara yang baru merdeka itu.
Menghormati Usaha-usaha tersebut: Disebabkan sokongan yang besar daripada Malaysia dan Mahathir, sebuah monumen penghargaan kepada Mahathir Mohamad telah dirasmikan di Sarajevo pada tahun 2020.
Latar belakang sokongan masa perang (sebelum 1995):
Sebelum perang tamat, Mahathir menghantar tentera Malaysia untuk menyertai Operasi Pengaman PBB. Malaysia juga membuka pintunya kepada pelarian Bosnia, menerima mereka tanpa visa semasa konflik.
Nota: Sumber maklumat utama mengenai sokongan Malaysia dalam tempoh ini menunjukkan bahawa usaha untuk membantu Bosnia telah didorong oleh Mahathir sebagai sebahagian daripada dasar luar yang aktif, sering mengkritik PBB dan kuasa Barat kerana tidak bertindak.
Jambatan Persabatan - Sumbangan Malaysia:
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| The Malaysian - Bosnian and Herzegovinian FriendshipBridge. The Bridge of Sarajevo |
Jambatan Persahabatan Malaysia-Bosnia dan Herzegovina, juga dikenali sebagai Malezijski Most dan Bosmalov Most, ialah sebuah jambatan yang merentasi Sungai Miljacka antara kawasan kejiranan Sarajevo, Čengić Vila dan Hrasno.
Ia juga menghubungkan salah satu jalan utama di bandar ini, Bulevar Meše Selimovića, dengan Jalan Gradačačka dan Pusat Bandar Bosmal.
Jambatan ini melambangkan persahabatan antara Malaysia dan Bosnia dan Herzegovina dan dibuka pada 31 Mei 2005 oleh bekas Perdana Menteri Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad.
Reka bentuk jambatan ini diselia oleh arkitek di Institut IPSA dan didirikan oleh syarikat pembinaan, ŽGP.
Jambatan moden ini mempunyai empat lorong untuk lalu lintas dan dibina selari dengan jambatan pejalan kaki lama, yang dikenali secara tempatan sebagai Treskin Most, yang tidak lagi digunakan.
