research programmes too need to be improved to reduce reliance on foreign technology. 6.5 Strategy 5: Strengthen Intelligence Networks Expand the spectrum of intelligence and strengthen its community networks in sharing and disseminating strategic information which is accurate and timely. Such information must also be integrated and coordinated to afford effective planning and rapid responses in defending national interests. 6.6 Strategy 6: Reinforce National Systems and Institutions Reinforce people’s acceptance of a parliamentary democratic system, constitutional monarchy and national institutions based on the Federal Constitution and the principles of Rukunegara which are the cornerstone of the nation’s socio-political system. 6.7 Strategy 7: Consolidate National Unity Consolidate national unity based on the Federal Constitution in order to develop citizens who share similar identity yet embrace diverse cultures. 6.8 Strategy 8: Bridge the Socio-Economic Gap Increase job opportunities for the citizens, improve income equality among the communities, transform rural areas so as to raise the people’s well-being. On the same score, to empower communities to build a society that is productive and capable of generating independent income as well as strengthening rural infrastructure to support local economic growth. 6.9 Strategy 9: Unity through Education Sow and nurture the spirit and importance of unity in a plural society beginning with an education system based on the national language, Malay. 6.10 Strategy 10: Foster the Spirit of Self-Reliance Foster love, pride and responsibility for the nation among the people through a total defence approach. In this sense, the interests of the country exceed that of personal concerns. In other words, the people must possess a sense of patriotism and nationalism which will hinder any attempt to involve oneself in activities that may be detrimental to peace. 6.11 Strategy 11: Cultivate Economic Resilience Strengthen national economic fundamentals to face global economic competition as well as maintain the legitimacy of the government to manage the economy of the country without foreign influence. Economic interests offshore must be protected in order to support domestic economic growth.