Law & Paneir

The implementation of a 24% tariff by the United States on products from Malaysia has created a considerable economic obstacle for the latter. This tariff is part of the wider protectionist strategies associated with the Trump administration's "America First" agenda, which seeks to safeguard American industries and labour. For Malaysia, this unilateral action presents significant risks to its trade relationships, economic stability, and prospects for future development. Diplomatic Negotiation and Engagement with the U.S. In the immediate future, Malaysia should focus on diplomatic discussions with the United States to achieve a resolution or reduction of tariffs. The government can interact with U.S. officials through various channels, including bilateral talks and international trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). These negotiations should underscore the shared economic advantages of equitable trade and align with the principles of the W...

Cognitive warfare is a developing concept that aims to manipulate and disrupt human thought processes to secure an advantage over opponents. It employs psychological operations, information distortion, and behavioral conditioning to influence public perception and decision-making. In the context of Malaysia, a society characterized by its multicultural and multi-religious composition, cognitive warfare offers a potential avenue for law enforcement agencies to tackle issues related to racial and religious discord. By effectively implementing cognitive warfare strategies, these agencies can reduce conflicts, combat misinformation, and promote national cohesion. Understanding Cognitive Warfare Cognitive warfare functions by leveraging cognitive biases, swaying emotions, and molding thought processes. It includes tactics such as misinformation, psychological operations, propaganda, and behavioral psychology to influence both individual and group cognition. The growing dependence on digital...

Introduction The South China Sea (SCS) is recognized as one of the most strategically significant and disputed areas globally. For Malaysia, the implications are considerable due to conflicting territorial claims, especially regarding its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the Spratly Islands. In recent years, China's aggressive expansion in the SCS has heightened regional tensions, threatening Malaysia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. As the Philippines advocates for a wider coalition to challenge China's maritime supremacy, the informal "Squad" alliance, which includes Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, offers a potential avenue for Malaysia to protect its interests. Why the Squad Offers a Counterbalanced Platform for Malaysia The establishment of the Squad in 2024 signifies a strategic pivot towards enhanced regional security collaboration in light of China's expanding maritime dominance. Unlike formal military al...

THE proposed construction of the Madani Mosque and the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple has sparked significant debate in Malaysia. At its core, this issue addresses a critical aspect of the nation’s socio-political landscape: how to manage the coexistence of different religious communities in shared spaces. In a country as diverse as Malaysia, where multiple faiths and cultures intertwine, managing such tensions is essential. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s “Malaysia MADANI” framework, which promotes a civilised, inclusive society, presents an opportunity to explore how religious communities can coexist peacefully and harmoniously. The MADANI framework and the importance of coexistence Anwar’s “Malaysia MADANI” framework envisions a future where all Malaysians, irrespective of their religious affiliations or backgrounds, can coexist peacefully. The fundamental values articulated in the MADANI framework i.e. Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Respect, Tr...

Note: I would like to bring to your attention that I recently encountered an opinion piece published on https://internalasianews.com/weaknesses-of-malaysias-intelligence-force-special-branch-challenges-and-security-threats/  that seeks to undermine the credibility of the Royal Malaysia Police, particularly the Special Branch. I find this perspective to be unfounded and have therefore written a response in which I present counterarguments to the author's claims with which I strongly disagree. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly its Special Branch, has long been an institution respected both domestically and internationally for its contributions to national security. The article in question casts a shadow over the achievements and sacrifices made by this agency, especially during Malaysia’s challenging periods such as the Confrontation with Indonesia, the fight against communist insurgency, and the ongoing internal security challenges posed by terrorism, racial, and relig...

THIS January, the India-Malaysia Security Dialogue convened in New Delhi, representing a pivotal advancement in the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries. The session was co-chaired by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, and Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia’s director-general of the National Security Council. The dialogue highlighted the increasing significance of collaboration on various security matters, such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, defence, and maritime security. With both nations now members of BRICS, Malaysia serving as the ASEAN Chair, and India participating in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), this partnership has the potential to significantly influence both regional and global security landscapes. Key areas of collaboration The India-Malaysia Security Dialogue aimed to enhance collaboration across several vital sectors. Both nations are confronted with the escalating threat of terrorism, which not only jeopar...