DEFENCE WHITE PAPER 5. This introductory chapter provides an overview of what a DWP is, why the Government is issuing the country’s first DWP and how the direction set forth in the DWP will strengthen the nation’s defence and security. It presents a vision to advance Malaysia’s current interests and future aspirations as a maritime nation with continental roots, exploring the nation’s unique role as a bridging linchpin between the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. What is a Defence White Paper (DWP)? 6. A Defence White Paper is a government document about the country’s strategic direction and defence planning. It is different from classified defence policy papers in that a DWP is an open document accessible by the public, with no confidential material. Both documents present a country’s security assessment, defence posture and military capability development, but with different purposes and emphasis. 7. As a public document, this DWP conveys a key message to all Malaysians that security should not be taken for granted. While the Government is determined to pursue Malaysia’s right to defend its national sovereignty and other interests, this pursuit is constantly subject to the multifaceted risks, threats and uncertainties stemming from the ever-evolving security environment. For these realities, MINDEF and the MAF have constantly collaborated with other government agencies at home, as well as with external partners, to address challenges at multiple levels. This DWP emphasises national security is the responsibility of ALL in the government and ALL in the society, including the people, whose awareness and participation form the backbone of national resilience. These are all crucial matters, because internal resilience and external partnerships are, respectively, the foundation and the extended line of defence for Malaysia’s security. Why Malaysia’s First DWP? 8. The DWP serves three purposes: (1) engaging the public and relevant stakeholders; (2) evaluating the ever-changing strategic environment; as well as (3) exploring approaches towards enhancing Malaysia’s defence capability and readiness. 9. Engaging the public and relevant stakeholders. National defence is a process requiring the active participation of and by the people. The Government is committed to engaging the public on defence and other related matters. This DWP offers an opportunity to reach out and inform the rakyat, comprising of individual citizens, groups, as well as all stakeholders in and out of the public sector, about the Government’s present priorities and future plans for bolstering Malaysia’s defence. 10. For this purpose, the DWP describes the sources of security risks, the Government’s plan to develop a more integrated, agile and focused force, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all Malaysians in national defence. It also emphasises the Government’s commitment to a more regular cycle of defence policy updates. 11. Each of these efforts is a manifestation of democratic values and practices of good governance through integrity, transparency and accountability. By enhancing the peoples’ understanding of the roles of the defence force and why these roles are important to them, the DWP helps to build public support for the MAF, and assists them in understanding the need for sustainable defence funding. 11