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Malaysia’s security depends on shrewd diplomacy

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  Unveiling the 13 th Malaysia Plan in parliament on 31 July , Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underlined the importance of regional security to Malaysia’s 2026-2030 development roadmap . He singled out the South China Sea, declaring that Malaysia’s “readiness to confront sovereignty and security threats in the South China Sea will be intensified more comprehensively.” Without naming specific countries, the Prime Minister’s statement reflects a clear understanding that the strategic environment in the Asia-Pacific is becoming increasingly dangerous. China, which is Kuala Lumpur’s largest trading partner and with which it shares deep historic and cultural connections, is becoming more assertive in the region, matched by record defence spending . Of real concern for Putrajaya are Beijing’s infringements on its maritime sovereignty. Last year, the China Coast Guard (CCG) spent 261 days in the northeastern area of Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). While Putrajaya ...
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The Republic of Balochistan: Independence Declared, Statehood Still Uncertain

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  The reported declaration of independence by the self-proclaimed Republic of Balochistan recently, has reignited one of the most enduring debates in international law: when does a declaration of independence become a legally recognised state?  While declarations of independence often represent the culmination of historical grievances and political aspirations, international law adopts a far more exacting standard. Statehood is determined not by symbolism, political rhetoric, or unilateral proclamation, but by objective legal criteria, effective governmental authority, and international practice.  At present, the available public information surrounding the declaration remains contested, and no member of the United Nations has recognised the Republic of Balochistan as an independent sovereign state. Consequently, the declaration should be examined through established principles of international law rather than political narratives alone. The principal legal framework go...
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Counter Terrorism Capability Safeguards Malaysia's National Security

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  The images from Berlin are a stark reminder that terrorism remains a present and evolving threat. A knife attack during the city's Christopher Street Day celebrations once again demonstrated how a single individual, allegedly motivated by extremist ideology, can spread fear, disrupt public life, and challenge national security. At the same time, the Counter Extremism Project warned that pro-Islamic State (ISIS) propaganda networks remained active online, encouraging supporters across the globe to target high-profile international events, including the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, underscoring the enduring reach of extremist ideology. These developments should resonate far beyond Europe. They underscore a simple but uncomfortable reality: terrorism has not disappeared. It has merely changed its form. Unlike the era when terrorist organisations relied on elaborate command structures and physical training camps, today's threat is increasingly decentralised. Extremist...
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Greater Japan-Malaysia cooperation is necessary

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  At the opening of the National Security Month in Putrajaya on 9 July, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned , "In a borderless world, if we do not have close cooperation with all countries, we will face problems." The Prime Minister’s government is already putting that principle into practice. Earlier that day, Anwar met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss trade and security, while other engagements this year have taken him to talks with India’s Narendra Modi , Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman , Türkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan , and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi . This diplomatic outreach comes at a pivotal moment for Malaysia. As security challenges across the Indo-Pacific intensify, Malaysia's ability to work closely with trusted partners will be increasingly important. Its historic partner, China, continues to show increasing disregard for borders and rules in the Indo-Pacific . In 2025, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) spent 261 calendar days in t...
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America's Pressure Risks Driving Malaysia Toward China

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The United States' decision to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on nearly all Malaysian exports over alleged shortcomings in enforcing restrictions on forced labour-linked imports, coupled with congressional efforts to freeze military training assistance to Malaysia over Putrajaya's position on Israel, represents one of the most serious strains in US-Malaysia relations in decades. These measures go beyond trade disagreements. They signal a broader attempt by Washington to use economic and security instruments to influence Malaysia's domestic governance and foreign policy choices. While the United States may view these actions as advancing human rights and strategic interests, the geopolitical consequences could be counterproductive. Rather than compelling Malaysia to alter its external posture, excessive pressure risks reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's long-standing determination to pursue an independent foreign policy while simultaneously creating greater incentives...
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Burnham's Commonwealth Vision Revives Britain's Global Leadership

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  Britain stands at a pivotal moment in its post-Brexit foreign policy. As the international order becomes increasingly fragmented, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an opportunity to redefine the United Kingdom's global leadership through an institution that has long been overlooked: the Commonwealth. Rather than treating the Commonwealth as a symbolic reminder of Britain's imperial past, Burnham should transform it into a dynamic diplomatic platform capable of addressing twenty-first-century global challenges. At a time when the United Nations is increasingly constrained by geopolitical rivalries and institutional paralysis, the Commonwealth can emerge as a complementary forum for consensus-building, economic cooperation, and strategic dialogue. Such a transformation would not only restore Britain's international relevance but also create new opportunities for middle powers like Malaysia to shape global governance. Burnham assumes office during one of the most challen...
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Africa’s Security Future in Global Power Shifts

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Africa stands at the center of one of the most complex security environments in its modern history. While the continent has long faced internal instability, today’s challenges are amplified by the convergence of terrorism, political upheaval, climate pressures, economic fragility, and intensifying great-power rivalry.  These overlapping dynamics are reshaping Africa’s strategic landscape and demand a fresh, multidimensional approach to peace and security. Terrorism remains the most visible threat. Across the Sahel: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and parts of Chad: groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have entrenched themselves by exploiting governance deficits, intercommunal tensions, and widespread poverty.  Burkina Faso has experienced unprecedented levels of violence, with entire towns besieged and critical supply routes cut off. Mali continues to face territorial encroachments by militants following the withdrawal of international peacekeepers.  Niger, onc...
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