[COLUMNIST] A tale of neglected military might and lost regional leverage

IN the intricate geopolitical tapestry of Southeast Asia, Malaysia finds itself at a crucial juncture, particularly in the context of the South China Sea. This region, a vital maritime corridor, has been a centre of escalating territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions. Malaysia, with its significant maritime boundaries, is directly impacted by these developments.

In recent years, Malaysia's defence policy and military spending have come under scrutiny, especially considering the evolving dynamics of the South China Sea. The retirement of Malaysia's fleet of MiG-29N jets, without timely replacement, is emblematic of the broader issues in the country's defence strategy. These jets, acquired in 1995 and retired in 2018, had a notably short service lifespan of 23 years, plagued by challenges in sourcing spare parts and conducting essential maintenance.

As of 2024, the Malaysian government has embarked on a renewed focus to bolster its defence capabilities. The defence budget for the year has been significantly increased to RM19.7 billion. This allocation includes the acquisition of 12 new helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, 60 infantry fighting vehicles, 50 high mobility light tactical vehicles, and six hovercraft integrated fast interceptors for the Malaysian Army. The Royal Malaysian Navy is set to receive three littoral mission ships (LMS), underlining the emphasis on enhancing maritime defence capabilities.

Despite these steps, Malaysia's approach to defence modernization has been met with criticism. The preference for second-hand equipment, as evidenced by the interest in Kuwait's F/A-18 C/D "Hornet" jets, contrasts with the global trend towards cutting-edge military technologies. This strategy raises questions about the long-term vision and preparedness of Malaysia's defence policy, particularly in the context of the South China Sea, where technological superiority is crucial.

The South China Sea disputes, involving overlapping claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, have intensified in recent years. China's aggressive territorial assertions and militarization efforts have heightened tensions, underscoring the need for Malaysia to develop a robust and multi-dimensional defence strategy. Such a strategy should extend beyond hardware acquisition to include the development of advanced maritime surveillance, intelligence capabilities, and enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces.

Moreover, Malaysia's defence policy must be framed within the broader context of regional diplomacy and multilateral security frameworks. Engaging in joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic initiatives with ASEAN partners and other regional actors is essential. Such collaborations can help in fostering a collective security approach, crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The Malaysian government's recent budgetary allocations signal a positive shift towards addressing these challenges. According to Global Data, Malaysia’s defence budget is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.4% from 2024 to 2028, reaching $6.2 billion by the end of this period. This growth is driven by military modernization programs aimed at addressing security threats such as piracy and terrorism, along with safeguarding national sovereignty.

However, balancing military modernization with strategic regional alliances and a firm diplomatic stance remains a challenge. Malaysia's ability to safeguard its interests and maintain a stable Southeast Asian region will depend on its approach to these complex and multi-faceted issues. The need for a forward-thinking defence strategy, one that not only addresses the current shortcomings but positions Malaysia as a credible and capable player in regional security dynamics, is more pressing than ever.

In conclusion, while Malaysia is making strides in modernizing its military, the complexities of the South China Sea dispute require a nuanced approach that balances military modernization with diplomacy and regional alliances. The pursuit of a more advanced, agile, and capable defence force, coupled with a strategic vision for regional stability and cooperation, is critical for Malaysia to navigate the challenges of the 21st century.

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* Rahman Hussin interests is in public affairs, politics and stakeholder managements. He runs his own firm that serves a wide range of clients focusing on strategy and government affairs.

** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.

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