National defence has to be based on self-confidence and not depending on external parties. Within this context patriotism and nationalism among Malaysians always need to be nurtured and with the realisation that national prosperity and peace override individual needs and political ideology. Commitment Towards The Five Power Defence Arrangement Malaysia views the FPDA as a “safety net” should events outside the capability of the MAF occur. Besides Malaysia, the other FPDA members are Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and United Kingdom. The FPDA is the only multilateral defence cooperation which Malaysia has been a member of since 1971. Although it remains untested at war or conflict, the FPDA is an effective conflict management tool and has contributed towards MAF’s development and enhancement of its professionalism. Supporting The United Nations’ Efforts Towards Global Peace Malaysia fully supports the effort of the UN and the international community to preserve universal peace and security. Malaysia has adopted a proactive approach in addressing global issues in line with its foreign policy. Malaysia’s involvement under the UN’s banners started in 1960 in Congo. Now Malaysia is actively involved in UN Peacekeeping operations as Military Observers, Battalion Group, Headquarters Staff Group and UN Technical. MAF’s involvement in UN missions is not restricted to peacekeeping only but also peace enforcement and humanitarian assistance duties. Malaysia is a party to the UN Standby Arrangements 1996 and as stipulated in the arrangement, party shall have an infantry battalion on standby for deployment under the UN if necessary. Up to now more than 25,000 MAF members have been involved in UN operations. Malaysia is fully supportive of the various treaties and conventions on global arms control and disarmament regime. As a party to the NPT and CTBT Malaysia observes the ban on all forms explosions and testing with a view for a total ban of such activities. MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL DEFENCE POLICY Page 16