KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not follow other countries in significantly increasing military spending as its defence doctrine focuses on protecting national sovereignty rather than attacking other nations, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said Malaysia respects the decisions of other countries to increase their defence budgets but will determine its own military expenditure based on national needs and financial capabilities.
He stressed that Malaysia remains independent and neutral in its defence policy and will not allow itself to be dictated to by major powers.
ALSO READ: Budget 2027: RM5.34bil allocated for defence assets to strengthen operational readiness, says Khaled
"Some countries have suggested that we increase our defence spending to 5% of our GNP (gross national product)," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 4).
"The intention is for these major powers to have us at the forefront when confrontations, conflicts or wars break out.
"But we want to make it clear that we are not puppets of any major power. We are independent and neutral."
In a supplementary question, William Leong (PH-Selayang) asked about the implications of rising military expenditure among East Asian countries, particularly the potential for conflict in the region and its impact on maritime security and trade routes such as the Strait of Malacca.
Khaled said Malaysia's defence priorities differed from those of countries acquiring long-range offensive capabilities.
"Our defence doctrine is to defend the country, not to attack other countries.
"If we look at some countries, they may purchase missiles with ranges of 2,000km or 3,000km.
"We do not need those because we have no intention of attacking other countries.
"Our doctrine is to defend our own country," he said, adding that Malaysia would continue strengthening its capabilities through credible deterrence.
ALSO READ: Deeper maritime defence with Tokyo
Khaled acknowledged that increased military spending by neighbouring countries could heighten the risk of misunderstandings, disputes and military confrontations.
He warned that any conflict in the region would inevitably affect Malaysia and other countries, including their economic and security interests.
However, he said Malaysia could neither prevent other countries from increasing their defence spending nor interfere in their sovereign decisions.
"We respect the actions of every country and do not interfere in such matters. We cannot stop any country from increasing its defence spending," he said.
Khaled reiterated that Malaysia would continue taking appropriate measures within its means to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and stability, regardless of the military spending decisions made by other countries.
