1.
2.
3.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Malaysia is a multi-racial country adopting a system of government based on
parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. The nation is built on
integration of its people, territorial integrity, a stable government, sovereignty and
international recognition.
1.2
The Government is responsible for ensuring that sovereignty and national security
are continuously safeguarded and maintained. In this context Malaysia’s
national security refers to a state of being free from any threat, whether
internally or externally, to its core values. Threats to national security since
1957 such as the Communist Party of Malaya insurgency, incursion by the
terrorist army of the Sulu Sultanate into Sabah in 2013, efforts to overthrow the
Government through non-democratic process, militancy and terrorism as well as
global threats in various forms have necessitated the formulation of a
comprehensive National Security Policy (NSP).
1.3
The NSP is introduced as the principal policy in confronting the various security
threats which have become increasingly dynamic and complex. Through the NSP,
the implementation of the primary strategies will ensure that National Core
Values are safeguarded thereby keeping Malaysia safe from all forms of threat,
not only physical but also non-physical, that which may influence and corrupt
people’s minds. This includes interference by foreign powers in the
administration and internal affairs of the nation.
1.4
In this sense, the formulation of the NSP as the primary guide and reference for
federal and state ministries and agencies is proof that the Government is
persistently committed in ensuring that national security is assured and
maintained. Consequently, the support and cooperation of the people is
detrimental in guaranteeing the survival of Malaysia as an independent, safe and
sovereign nation based on the principles of parliamentary democracy and
constitutional monarchy. Not only is the NSP intended for the society in-being
but more importantly, for the well-being and peace of generations to come.
NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY STATEMENT
2.1
The NSP is the overarching policy or basis for comprehensive national security
aimed at maintaining, safeguarding and defending the National Core Values
which will ensure the survival of Malaysia as an independent, peaceful, safe and
sovereign nation.
2.2
The NSP was formulated under the National Security Council Act 2016 [Act 776]
which confers power to the National Security Council in formulating policies and
strategies for national security. This responsibility includes the monitoring of the
implementation of such policies and strategies.
MALAYSIA IN THE GEOSTRATEGIC CONTEXT
3.1 Malaysia has a strategic position in the South-East Asian Geo-political environment.
Geographically, it is also located along important Sea Lines of Communication,
namely, the Straits of Melaka and the South China Sea which have frequently
attracted the attention of the major powers. Malaysia’s location influences its
bilateral and multi-lateral relations with other countries, both regional and
international, in terms of important political, socio-economic, security, defence,