IT is now opportune for a national discourse on subjects pertaining to national defence and security, encouraging Malaysians to think together about national interests, threats and challenges in a fast-changing world and in so doing, unite the people.

It is also time to bury the toxic racial politics that has haunted us, fragmented and divided our society the past few decades.

Our defence minister and his deputy have spoken in Parliament regarding a defence white paper outlining the country’s defence principles and strategies and the concept of total defence where all levels of society understand the principles and take joint responsibility.

Participation to the thinking process of the white paper is invited from not just among those involved in national security, those in uniform and academics, but also from the public.

The idea is to think global and act local, or at least be conscious of our existence in relation to what is happening outside our shore.

The thought pattern among our people and groups should not be like retarded selfish demand for rights and entitlement. It is better to channel our thoughts to the dynamism of mass thinking on the dialectics of national survival in a constantly changing world scenario.

Topping the agenda on national defence and security is the recent war of words among our ministers with our southern neighbour concerning the territorial waters and the landing approach of Seletar airport.

This is not to suggest that we should prepare for war but rather to appreciate the implications on the economics, jobs, property ownership and bank accounts between the two people of our nations, and the need for emphasis on diplomacy to settle disputes.  

Next in the agenda is to consider our nation’s position and involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the wider geopolitical-economic implications.

For good or bad, we have been contractually and financially compelled to be involved in the BRI by the previous administration. China is seen as the locomotive for an Asian century and it will be unwise to ignore this fact.

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner, and we are also China’s largest trading partners in Asean.

It is also the largest importer of our palm oil. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and China is expected to exceed US$100 billion (RM420 billion) in 2018. This aspect must be taken into consideration when formulating foreign policy and from there our defence and strategic considerations. 

Malaysia should not get entangled into the current superpowers conflict between US and China-Russia that threatens a new cold war. Reemphasis on the policy of Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan), which Malaysia led in its propagation in 1971, is ideal. Taking side is risking us being trampled in a fight between two elephants.

Similarly, the insistence of no large warships in the waters of Southeast Asia, a vocal assertion of our prime minister, is an extension of Zopfan policy.

However, it has wider implications on our maritime territorial claim that is overlapping with other countries, particularly China. Malaysians need to appreciate the role of our security forces, particularly our navy commandos manning the remote islands.

The vast area over the South China Sea has potential for oil and minerals exploits, besides the rich source of fish supply. Our nation’s interest is in the backing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea’s (UNCLOS) 200 nautical mile EEZ at all cost.

Whatever terms stated in the current Blueprint draft for the South China Sea Code of Conduct should not compromise the fundamentals as agreed in the UNCLOS treaty.

The Islamic State threat is one our nation should not take lightly. Although we are currently not an imminent target for attack, we do not want to be like nations in the West where the governments and the people are on perpetual alert.

Cyber security is another area of growing national concern. We should not get caught in a situation where our government is forced to shut down, the national grid for control of energy supply, banking and financial system, defence command and control jeopardised.

The advent of the 5th generation mobile communication system (5G) in a year or two is another security threat, such as unauthorised surveillances. The threat to health through electro-magnetic radiation from 5G is even more severe that the 3G and 4G systems.    

There are many other issues pertaining to national defence and security, such as our porous maritime border susceptible to smuggling and kidnap-for-ransom, human smuggling through the Thai border, and the millions of illegal foreign nationals within our country.

In the succeeding months, issues on defence and security should find more space in our public discourse and less on racial issues. – January 3, 2019.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.