This review article examines the link between tourism and soft power in view of five (four proposed by Ooi) interlinked ways (approaches). It also looks whether Malaysia (as a case study) by using the soft power approaches has achieved the desired outcomes or not. The article found that Ooi’s approach is adequate to analyze a country’s tourism policy, strategies, tourists’ perceptions, and the outcomes of tourism. However, it has ignored the independent role of gastronomy, the business-enabling environment, recognition of the cultural and natural sites as world heritage, and methodological approach to address negative stereotypes against other nationalities. The article also maintains that Malaysia has efficiently used the soft power approach and maximally received benefits from it without the use of coercive powers. This research offers insight into different power tools applied in a variety of contexts which shape the image of the country.

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In the regional and global competitive tourism sector, branding Malaysia as Turley Asian has maximally helped the country. The branding efforts have facilitated Malaysia to present itself as a true sign of pluralism, a mixture of harmonious cultures and the true soul of Asia. The intangible cultural heritage especially food heritage and traditional performing arts have also significantly contributed to branding 'Malaysia Truly Asia'. The multiple traditional and cultural performances represent multicultural Malaysia. In these performances, all ethnic groups, i.e. Indian, Chinese, Malay, Indigenous and others are represented adequately. Malaysian traditional cuisine also represents the pluralism of Malaysian society. Authentic and hybrid foods and the traditional performing arts have made the country a mini Asia or the soul of Asia. Understanding the position and contribution of both traditional food and performing arts to promote Malaysian tourism under the slogan of 'Malaysia Truly Asia' is extremely important in developing the Malaysian tourism sector. Under the concepts of identity and culture as a segment of branding approaches, this article will analyse how cultural heritage has helped to brand Malaysia as Truly Asia for the development of the tourism sector of Malaysia.

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This article has exhibited the child rights framework's relevance while assessing and analysing voiceless Malaysian refugee and asylum-seeking children's status. The secondary data has been segregated, themed and analysed under the child rights framework related to refugee and asylum-seeking children. The article argues that refugees and asylum-seeking children in Malaysia are treated as outsiders and threats to the social fabric; this rhetoric against refugees and asylum-seeking children has shaped Malaysia’s excluded legal and social treatment towards such children. It has also exacerbated the painful and excluded experiences of such children. The article also argues that only frameworks do not bring the desired results if the state constantly thrives on racialised politics. The analysis shows these children are subject to various social, economic, political, legal and normative issues, which have compelled them to live a quite stressful and challenging life. These children's difficult experiences show serious deficiencies and problems in the government structures and functions, which this article believes are the desired outcomes of Malaysia’s legal, political and social approach towards these children. The analysis also indicates that the UNCRC’s child protection systems and mechanisms (and the international community) are also unable to pursue the state to stop it making its independent choices in matters dealing with a vulnerable group of children and recognising them the rights holders rather as threats. The complexities and challenges in implementing such children’s rights also lie in the roles of the two separate mandate holders (i.e. UNHCR and UNICEF).