MB 1yAlVaaon) Kyle ha National security is a fundamental responsibility of government. It provides the context within which development and prosperity can take place. It assures freedom of national decision making and protects the values, the traditions and the way of life that are the essence of the nation. Security is, however, not simply a matter of maintaining a military capability to protect the nation against possible challenges to its sovereignty and interests. Sound relations with neighbours prepared to contribute actively to promoting a stable environment are no less important. Defending the Nation’s Sovereignty : Expanding Paper, reflects a comprehensive and proactive and being Roles in Wider Horizons, the new Defence White approach to the security of Brunei Darussalam. Its foundation remains the stability of the nation itself and its capacity to manage its own affairs. That is the minimum that our people have a right to expect. The initiatives put forward in the White Paper will significantly enhance the transparency of, and the nation’s control over, our immediate security environment. Awareness of, and the capacity to respond rapidly to, activities in border areas and our more immediate maritime approaches will be strengthened. Close cooperation with civil agencies will ensure a robust response to transnational security challenges and to natural disasters. At the same time, the White Paper strongly reinforces Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to promoting a stable region. Its active participation in the emerging framework for practical security cooperation, particularly the activities of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting that the nation will chair in 2013, is strongly endorsed. The policy areas within the Ministry responsible for those activities are being further developed. The ability to make more significant contributions to stability and peace keeping operations was an important shaper of the White Paper’s capability enhancements. Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, DPMB, SMB, PJK, PIKB, BA (Hons) Deputy Minister of Defence Providing for the nation’s defence does, however, place a significant demand on resources and a responsibility on Defence to use them wisely. With that in mind, the White Paper carefully prioritises how our defence capabilities should be developed in the future. It emphasises the command and control, surveillance and mobility assets that underpin effective operations. More integrated planning within Defence will ensure planning discipline and resource efficiency. The Defence White Paper builds upon the foundations established in its predecessor, Defending the Nation’s Sovereignty, in 2004 and developed further in the 2007 Defence White Paper Update. The comprehensiveness of the guidance it provides reflects the skills and insights of the officers, both military and civilian, who future security. have contributed to its preparation. It equips us well to ensure the nation’s Wabilahitaufiq Walhidayah Was’salamualaikum Warahmatulahhi’ Wabarkatuh