4.1.1 Fragility of National Unity Issues that touch on communal sensitivities, ethnicity, religion, beliefs and culture which are widely and freely disseminated in the social media continue to be a source of communal friction in Malaysia. These issues continue to hinder the country’s aspiration in creating a united and progressive society. 4.1.2 Challenges Facing the Nation’s Democratic System There are efforts and schemes to bring down the Government through nondemocratic process which violates the laws of the country. Such actions will weaken our national institutions which will threaten public order and the security of the nation. 4.1.3 Illegal Immigrants and ‘Refugees’1 The peace, prosperity and rapid economic growth enjoyed by the country has attracted the influx of illegal immigrants and ‘refugees’ to our shores. The presence of illegal immigrants and ‘refugees’ not only creates negative impact on the social, economic, criminal, political domains and diplomatic relations, but also has the potential to threaten the peace and security of the nation. 4.1.4 Disputes over Territorial Claims Malaysia has been facing the issue of overlapping territorial claims and disputes over land, maritime and air territories with its neighbours as well as major powers. These disputes have the potential to adversely impact bilateral relations between Malaysia and its neighbours. At the regional level, overlapping territorial claims can spark the risk of armed conflict leading to regional collateral ramifications and potentially invite the intervention of interested third parties if not handled appropriately. 4.1.5 Extremism and Terrorism The issue of international terrorism is an ongoing global threat that has a direct impact on the security of Malaysia. Extremist and terrorist elements that have infiltrated the country as well as the involvement of Malaysian citizens in terrorist activities both within and outside the country can spark chaos and threaten the peace of the country. 4.1.6 Cyber Security The inception and rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has increased our reliance on technology thereby aggravating the risk of cyber security threats. The open borderless dimension of cyber space with easy access and availability as well as anonymity has also increased the risk of cyber-attacks on the nation’s Critical Information Infrastructure, abuse of the internet, cyber espionage 1 The use of this terminology in this document does not mean that Malaysia accepts the concept of refugee as defined in any document regarding refugees including the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees 1967.