KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strengthening its defence preparedness amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly complex security environment, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the need for higher defence spending was not driven solely by regional developments but also by emerging threats including cyberattacks, electromagnetic threats and mass misinformation campaigns.
"These developments demand more adequate preparation and enhancement in our defence assets and capabilities," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 19).
Mohamed Khaled said the growing military activity and presence in the region, particularly amid intensifying strategic competition between major powers, had created a more complicated security environment for countries such as Malaysia.
He stressed that Malaysia did not view any particular country as a threat.
"It is not that Malaysia suddenly sees any particular country as a threat.
"But there is clearly an increase in military activity and presence in the region, particularly as strategic competition between the major powers intensifies," he said.
He said the concern was on unintended consequences, including the possibility of miscalculation, misunderstanding or a minor incident escalating into something more serious.
"Geographic proximity is therefore an important consideration for us," he said, citing developments around the southern Philippines, including areas close to Sabah.
Mohamed Khaled said any escalation near Malaysia, even if the country was not directly involved, could have wider implications for Malaysia's security and stability in the South China Sea.
At the same time, he said Malaysia respected the right of the Philippines, as with any sovereign nation, to determine its own defence arrangements and partnerships.
"Malaysia maintains good relations with the Philippines and it is important that we continue to have open lines of communication to manage any potential misunderstanding," he said.
Mohamed Khaled also stressed that developments in the region should not be viewed as Malaysia taking sides with major powers.
"Our concern is about maintaining regional stability and ensuring that strategic competition between major powers does not create unintended consequences for Asean countries," he said.
He said Malaysia's efforts to strengthen its defence preparedness were therefore not directed against the Philippines, the United States, China or any other country.
On the South China Sea, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia hoped all parties would continue exercising restraint and avoid actions that could lead to escalation.
"Malaysia will continue to support Asean Centrality and the Asean approach of providing space for dialogue, even where there are differences and overlapping claims.
"We want the region to remain stable, open and peaceful. That remains our priority," he said.
