DEFENCE WHITE PAPER INTRODUCTION 1. This Defence White Paper (DWP), the first by Malaysia, embodies the Government’s firm commitment to strengthen national defence. It presents the Government’s strategic outlook for the coming decade, sets forth the direction for the defence sector and formulates a long-term strategy for defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity from all forms of external threats and security challenges. 2. As a Government paper, this DWP outlines a national defence framework to safeguard Malaysia’s interests. It recognises the important role played by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and other relevant agencies, in ensuring Malaysia is secure, sovereign and prosperous. 3. The MAF, with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the King) as its Supreme Commander as enshrined under Article 41 of the Federal Constitution, serves as the nation’s protective shield. The Armed Forces Act 1972 governs the roles and functions of its three Services, i.e. the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), alongside the Volunteer Forces. NINTH SCHEDULE [Articles 74, 77] FEDERAL CONSTITUTION Legislative Lists List 1 - Federal List “2. Defence of the Federation or any part thereof, including -” naval, military and air forces and other armed forces; any armed forces attached to or operating with any of the armed forces of the Federation; visiting forces; defence works; military and protected areas; naval, military and air force bases; barracks aerodromes and other works; manoeuvres; war and peace; alien enemies and enemy aliens; enemy property; trading with an enemy; war damage; war risk insurance; arms, fire-arms, ammunition and explosives; 4. national service; and civil defence. The DWP aligns defence policy with the Government’s national security policy, foreign policy and other related policies in accordance with the whole-of-government approach. This inaugural DWP presents a Malaysian national defence vision, which balances the near and long-term national interests, strategic needs and fiscal considerations. It affirms the Government’s commitment to invest in Malaysia’s defence capabilities and resilience in a sustainable manner. 10