THE concept of national security today is not just based on external threat and build-up of physical force, or making alliances to counter the threat to our sovereignty. In the current global scenario where balances of both power and terror keep superpowers in check, and the reliance on trade helps maintain mutual coexistence of states, war without a just cause is not likely to happen.

As such, the concept of national security for many nations is to place less emphasis on physical force and more on domestic political, economic and environmental concerns.

Modern warfare is likely to be fought more in the non-conventional and non-traditional realm, rather than at the traditional frontier of political boundaries. It is likely to be fought in the cyberspace; through misinformation, disinformation and psychological warfare; economic and financial sabotage; undermining of government initiatives; usage of chemical and biological weapons; usage of big data analytics to negatively influence public opinion; counterterrorism; electromagnetic warfare; and possibly even modification and weaponising of weather. The threat landscape in the current era is likely to be more complex, unpredictable, sudden and diverse.

In view of all these changing landscapes, defence and security should also be viewed in totality within a national political-economic-defence construct – a holistic concept where defence and security are no more the sole domain of the Defence Ministry, but involve most other government ministries and departments as well.

In a nutshell, it is a concept of total defence.

A white paper is an authoritative document that informs readers about a complex issue, to help better understand an issue, solve a problem and make a decision. A white paper on defence which is open for discussion and public input is intended to achieve a national consensus on the important subject of national security. It is participatory democracy.

Questions may arise as to why bother to produce a defence white paper and allow public scrutiny on a sensitive subject matter that is supposed to be national secret. Besides being a concept paper for public engagement, it also serves as an external display of our national philosophy, to inform our friendly neighbours and global power actors our sincere commitment to participate and contribute to a fair and justifiable world. It is better to be open with our foreign policy and the defence and security stand that entwines with it. After all, modern conventional warfare capabilities of nations pertaining to the number and types of assets, manpower, and deployment are hardly any secret.

Resources are scarce. Faced with a huge problem of national debt, unsettled problem of lopsided mega infrastructure projects with foreign bank and contractors, a contracting world economy, a rising interest rate, and the unfolding of carry trade due to both rising interest rate and appreciation of US dollars, the repercussions on our national economy in the years to come are even more challenging. Resources will be further squeezed and need prioritised allocation.

Having a defence white paper that is preceded with consensus-building process among the various government ministries, departments and agencies helps to forge intra-governmental agreement within the executive branch. It helps to raise understanding on the need for disproportional allocation of budget.

This is not to suggest that as the white paper is a Defence Ministry initiative, the ministry should get a higher allocation. On the contrary, had there been a carefully crafted white paper then, the purchase of the submarines, main battle tanks, certain fighter jets and naval crafts as well as the amount spent for those would be subjected to better justification and scrutiny.

A defence white paper that has gone through eager participation of the public helps foster a sense of belonging, unity and love for the country among the people.

Malaysians have been too preoccupied with racial issues the past few decades. A whole generation has grown up exposed to misguided societal politicking on race and religious exploits that has caused much distrust, hatred and disunity among the people. Matters on defence and security are not often discussed in public and Malaysians generally know little on those issues. The process through the draft of the white paper and public engagement, if conducted well, is an excellent avenue to unite the people in thinking towards a common cause, for the good of our country.

Every problem relating to defence and security has to be viewed from different perspectives – not just the military alone. The threat of terrorism is real. Counterterrorism work requires multi-departmental joint planning and execution of tasks. It is a warfare that gives no room for any slackening in vigilance. Terrorism is imminently a rising concern.

Cyberwarfare is current and will play a large role in future conflicts. The modus operandi involves actions by organisations or nations to deploy an army of hackers to damage computers and information networks by using computer viruses, online control of service and networks to deny service. It has potential to shut down essential functions of governments and disable communication systems. Countering cyberwarfare requires technical knowledge. It is the responsibility of all government machineries. Cyberwarfare may be launched with an external physical force, or by itself. In any case, the security forces have to be modernised and information-driven to deal with technologically advanced adversaries and threats.

Other concerns of national security are environmental pollution, cross-border human trafficking, smuggling and the presence of large numbers of foreign nationals within our country. Inter-departmental coordination is essential to tackle such problems. It will be a futile effort if not all see the problems as treat.

A defence white paper encourages all to think on the same page. It is also a good vehicle to unite Malaysians for a common cause. – January 10, 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.