THE government has tabled its Defence White Paper in Parliament today, which will determine the direction of Malaysia’s defence aspirations for the next 10 years, said Minister of Defence Mohamad Sabu.

“It will protect and defend the nation’s interest,” he said.

This is the first time a white paper for defence is being tabled to set out the country’s military needs and a master plan on its direction.

“The white paper is in line with Malaysia’s position as a maritime nation in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions,” said Mohamad, adding many recent developments in the region have had a destabilising effect.

“The militarisation of the South China Sea by China and the US has altered the issue of competition between the major powers.

“The entry of warships into the Sabah and Sarawak region has also heightened tensions.”

Mohamad said other issues in Western Russia and Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and other countries in the region have also been a cause for uncertainty.

“Based on these concerns, Malaysia needs to protect its interests by exploring new long-term proactive strategies to defend itself against such threats,” said Mohamad.

The white paper is eight chapters long and details the Ministry of Defence’s strategy for the armed forces and the protection of the nation up to 2030. – December 2, 2019.