Khaled: Digital platforms, smartphones can become channels for hostile influence
KOTA KINABALU: Threats to the country’s security are no longer confined to its borders, with hostile influence now able to reach communities through digital technologies, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said Malaysia must therefore strengthen its defence from within, as threats could emerge through communities, smartphones, social media and cyberspace.
“Current trends show that enemies and threats do not just come from outside but from within a nation through various means, including cellphones, laptops and digital and social media platforms.
“All these spaces can pose security threats if we are not mature and careful enough in using them,” he said.
As leaders and policymakers, he said politicians could not take these matters lightly.
“We need to build our defence literacy. We cannot just depend on our armed and security forces because the duty of protecting the nation’s sovereignty depends on every one of us,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled was speaking at the launch of the Defence Literacy Programme here yesterday.
He said every citizen must understand what it means to defend the country within the scope of their respective roles, stressing that national security was not the sole responsibility of uniformed bodies.
“As citizens, we need to see how we can contribute towards security and stability by preventing actions and behaviours that have the potential to undermine political stability and social harmony,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said the public must also build resilience by becoming more alert and rational so they would not be easily influenced by propaganda and provocation.
He said extremism and subversive movements that threaten public security must be avoided, particularly in Malaysia’s racially, religiously and culturally diverse society.
“This is why we are conducting this defence literacy programme to reach the people to educate, create awareness and instil patriotism, nationalism and a sense of wanting to protect the nation among the people,” he said.
The Defence Literacy Programme featured two main activities – talks on cognitive threats and national patriotism – among others.
It is an initiative of the ministry, led by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security in collaboration with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia.
Mohamed Khaled said Sabah was chosen as the programme’s first stop due to the militarisation of Balabac, which involves an increased military presence at the southernmost end of the Philippines’ Palawan Island, about 50km north of Sabah.
Balabac is among the Philippine sites covered by the Philippines-US Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.
Analysts have said the move places Sabah closer to the frontline of US-China rivalry in the South China Sea.
Asked about the Philippines’ decision to work with the US military, Mohamed Khaled said it was the country’s right and prerogative.
“We know about the power struggle in the South China Sea. If anything unpredictable happens, it might also affect us.
“For us in Malaysia, we need to take our own measures to strengthen our defence,” he added.
