Malaysia: A Silent Voice in World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement – Some Legal Considerations for Future Involvement in Renewable Energy Disputes

Abstract

In the World Trade Organization (WTO), disputes of relevance for the market for equipment producing renewable energy, like solar panels, are increasing. Such cases can be important for Malaysia as one of the World leading producers of solar panels. The article addresses Malaysia’s engagement in WTO disputes from a legal perspective and finds that Malaysia is only engaged to a limited extent in WTO disputes. The limited extent of Malaysia’s engagement in WTO disputes can turn into a problem for Malaysia as the article claims that WTO law is developed through the WTO Dispute Settlement System and that the disputing parties and third parties can have an impact on that development. In order to help shaping WTO law related to renewable energy in a preferred direction, Malaysia should become more involved in WTO dispute settlement.