KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is strengthening its defence preparedness amid growing geopolitical uncertainty and an increasingly complex security environment in the region, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the need for higher defence spending was driven not only by regional developments, but also by emerging threats such as cyberattacks, electromagnetic interference and mass misinformation campaigns.
“These developments demand more adequate preparation and enhancement of our defence assets and capabilities,” he said in a statement.
Mohamed Khaled said increased military activity and the growing presence of armed forces in the region, particularly amid intensifying strategic competition between major powers, had created a more complex security environment for countries such as Malaysia.
He, however, stressed that Malaysia did not regard any particular country as a threat.
“It is not that Malaysia suddenly sees any particular country as a threat. We do not.
“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 the potential unintended consequences of such developments, including the risk of miscalculation or misunderstanding, and the possibility of a minor incident escalating into something more serious.
“Geographic proximity is therefore an important consideration for us,” he said, citing developments in the southern Philippines, including areas close to Sabah.
Mohamed Khaled said any escalation in areas near Malaysia, even if the country were not directly involved, could have wider implications for national security and stability, particularly in the South China Sea.
At the same time, he said Malaysia respected the right of the Philippines, like any sovereign nation, to determine its own defence arrangements and partnerships based on its security needs.
“Those are bilateral decisions for the countries concerned. 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 regional developments should not be interpreted as the country taking sides between 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 countries.
He added that the modernisation of the Armed Forces was already part of the country’s long-term national defence planning.
“The intention to gradually increase defence spending towards 1.5% of GDP by 2030 should also be understood in that context,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia was also strengthening capabilities in strategically important areas, including Pulau Layang-Layang, as part of efforts to safeguard national defence and interests.
“Again, this is about national defence and national interest, rather than responding to or targeting any particular country,” he said.
He said Malaysia’s approach would continue on two tracks – maintaining sufficient capabilities to protect its sovereignty and national interests while pursuing stability, dialogue and diplomacy.
On the South China Sea, Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia hoped all parties would continue exercising restraint and avoid actions that could lead to escalation.
He also stressed the importance of progress on the Code of Conduct in providing a more predictable environment for all parties.
“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.
