DEFENCE WHITE PAPER DEFENCE STRATEGY 1. To confront the increasing challenges posed by the uncertain security environment, the Government is determined to execute the national defence strategy with a renewed emphasis on enhancing its overall defence capability. This strategy is guided by a new National Defence Framework aimed at boosting Malaysia’s defence preparedness while maximising its potentials as a maritime nation with continental roots, serving as a bridging linchpin between the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. 2. Malaysia’s defence strategy is centred on three pillars, namely Concentric Deterrence, Comprehensive Defence and Credible Partnerships. This chapter illuminates how the Government will implement this strategy in ways that serve Malaysia’s National Defence Interests and Objectives. 3. The steps taken to pursue the long-term defence strategy include: (1) upgrading defence capability and strengthening jointness across the MAF and other security agencies; (2) increasing security awareness and defence preparedness through the whole-of-nation approach; and (3) taking a more active role in advancing progressive initiatives, widening partnerships and shaping regional affairs. 4. Fundamentally, Malaysia’s defence strategy seeks to transform the MAF into an integrated, agile and focused force capable of protecting the national interests, particularly defending the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Malaysia adopts a defensive posture, viewing force as the last resort in asserting the right to defend the nation, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. This DWP identifies ways and means of protecting national interests and deterring threats, whilst preserving shared regional peace, stability and prosperity. 5. Geography is a vital link. The Government takes into account Malaysia’s geographical circumstances, situated at the heart of Southeast Asia’s strategic waters surrounded by important Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) together with big power realities and domestic needs, in pursuing a firm and prudent national defence strategy. The Government is determined to ensure that the MAF is able to operate in two theatres simultaneously, as Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak are separated by the South China Sea. National Defence Framework 6. Aligning Malaysia’s defence posture with the national security policy and foreign policy priorities, the Government has developed a three-part National Defence Framework that consists of national defence vision, interests and objectives (refer Table 3.1). The National Defence Vision depicts “Malaysia as a secure, sovereign and prosperous nation”. This vision forms the basis for the National Defence Interests: i. Security. Defending the nation’s land masses, MMZ, strategic waterways, airspace and critical lines of communication; ii. Sovereignty. Preserving independence and preventing external interference; and iii. Prosperity. Protecting economic prosperity, development and growth opportunities, including interests abroad. 34