I am writing in response to the statement by the Minister of Communications and Digital on the need of a holistic approach to combat cyber attacks reported by Bernama on 2nd of June 2023.

In today's interconnected and digitized world, cybersecurity has become a matter of paramount importance for nations across the globe. Malaysia, as a rapidly developing nation with a thriving digital economy, is confronted with a pressing need to address the escalating cyber threats it faces. From cybercrime to data breaches and malicious activities, these challenges demand immediate action. To effectively counter the ever-evolving cyber landscape, it is crucial for Malaysia to establish an urgent and comprehensive National Cybersecurity Strategy, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, while simultaneously strengthening its cyberdiplomacy efforts. This article emphasizes the urgent imperatives of implementing a national cybersecurity strategy and engaging in cyberdiplomacy, with the Prime Minister at the helm, to safeguard Malaysia in the digital era.

Malaysia's rapid digitization has undoubtedly fueled economic growth and societal advancement. However, it has also exposed the nation to an increasingly complex range of cyber risks. Frequent incidents of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and intellectual property theft targeting both government institutions and private enterprises have underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Malaysia must proactively protect its critical infrastructure, secure sensitive data, and safeguard its national interests in the face of mounting cyber threats.

The Urgent Need for a National Cybersecurity Strategy:

1. Proactive Threat Mitigation and Incident Response: The Prime Minister's leadership is essential in the development of a national cybersecurity strategy that adopts a proactive approach to identify vulnerabilities, develop robust defense mechanisms, and establish effective incident response protocols. By strategically allocating resources and prioritizing cybersecurity investments, Malaysia can strengthen its defenses against cyberattacks.

2. Public-Private Collaboration: Collaborative partnerships between the government and the private sector are crucial in addressing cybersecurity challenges. Under the Prime Minister's leadership, the national strategy should foster robust public-private collaboration, facilitating the sharing of information, best practices, and collective responses to cyber threats. Such partnerships will enhance Malaysia's overall cybersecurity posture and foster a culture of resilience.

3. Capacity Building and Awareness: Building a skilled cybersecurity workforce is crucial for Malaysia's ability to effectively combat cyber threats. The national strategy, led by the Prime Minister, must prioritize initiatives such as specialized training programs, certifications, and academic collaborations to develop expertise in the field. Simultaneously, raising awareness among citizens about cyber risks and promoting safe online practices will create a more secure digital environment.

The Urgency of Cyberdiplomacy:

1. International Cooperation: Recognizing the transnational nature of cyber threats, Malaysia, under the Prime Minister's leadership, must actively engage in cyberdiplomacy. This involves forging alliances and fostering cooperation with other nations to address cybersecurity challenges collectively. Participation in international forums, the sharing of threat intelligence, and collaboration on joint initiatives will contribute to global efforts in combating cybercrime and protecting shared interests.

2. Shaping Global Cyber Norms: Malaysia, through cyberdiplomacy efforts led by the Prime Minister, has an opportunity to shape global cybersecurity norms and policies. Active participation in discussions on international cyber norms, advocating for responsible state behavior, and promoting adherence to
international law in cyberspace will contribute to a more secure and stable cyber environment globally.

3. Establishing Cyber Incident Response Networks: Rapid response and effective cooperation are crucial in addressing cyber incidents. Under the Prime Minister's leadership, Malaysia should establish bilateral and multilateral frameworks for cyber incident response and information sharing. Collaborations of this nature will facilitate swift incident response, minimize damages, and enable the exchange of valuable threat intelligence with other nations.

In the face of escalating cyber threats, Malaysia must act urgently to fortify its cybersecurity defenses and protect its digital landscape. The establishment of a National Cybersecurity Strategy, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, is imperative to safeguard critical infrastructure, secure sensitive data, and defend national interests. By taking a proactive approach to threat mitigation, fostering public-private collaborations, and investing in capacity building and awareness initiatives, Malaysia can enhance its cybersecurity posture and ensure resilience in the digital era.

Equally vital is the engagement in cyberdiplomacy, led by the Prime Minister, to address the transnational nature of cyber threats. Active participation in international cooperation, the shaping of global cyber norms, and the establishment of incident response networks will strengthen Malaysia's position in combating cybercrime and promoting responsible state behavior.

The urgency for a National Cybersecurity Strategy and robust cyberdiplomacy cannot be overstated. With the Prime Minister at the helm, Malaysia can demonstrate its unwavering commitment to protecting its digital assets and fostering a secure digital environment for its citizens and businesses. The time for action is now, as the threats we face are ever-evolving and require a comprehensive and collaborative response.

By prioritizing cybersecurity and diplomatic engagement, Malaysia can position itself as a leader in cybersecurity, not only within the region but on the global stage as well. Safeguarding Malaysia's cyber domain is not just an issue of technology or defense—it is a matter of national security that requires collective efforts, decisive leadership, and international collaboration. Let us seize this opportunity to fortify our cybersecurity defenses and pave the way for a secure and prosperous digital future for Malaysia.


* Yusmadi Yusoff, a senior lawyer, former Ahli Dewan Negara and Ahli Dewan Rakyat who is currently pursuing PhD research on intersection of cybersecurity law, ethics and diplomacy.

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