It appears that Malaysia is enjoying a period of relative peace domestically and regionally in southeast Asia. The end of the cold war brought an end to the once divided region of communist and non-communist southeast Asia and with the expansion of ASEAN, it is likely that in 1997 the region will be united under one organisation.
Despite the prevailing optimism, a number of security issues remain a source of concern. The first involves bilateral disputes, namely territorial. Because of its history and geography, Malaysia has territorial disputes with all its ASEAN neighbours and with Indonesia there remains a question over the islands of Sipadan and Ligitan.
The island of Batu Puteh is under dispute by Malaysia and Singapore, and the Malaysian territory of Sabah is claimed by the Philippines. With Thailand there are disputes over some common boundaries as well as over fishing areas, and Malaysia and Brunei disagree on the area of Limbang that divides the territory of the latter in two. However, a number of these disputes are being resolved; Malaysia and Singapore are referring their case to the International Court of Justice, as are Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysia and Vietnam have resolved their differences by establishing a joint development area.
Perhaps the most significant issue that could affect regional stability is conflicting claims over the South China Sea. This potential oil- and gas-rich area is under dispute by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. Undeniably China's position is central to the area's stability. So far, it would appear China has been inconsistent in its position over the South China Sea, first refusing to see it as a multilateral issue then preferring to treat it as a bilateral issue and finally acquiescing. However, its actions also have been inconsistent with its declarations, first demonstrated when it confronted the Philippines over Mischief Reef. This Chinese action shattered the belief that Beijing would not use force against an ASEAN claimant.
Regional states recognise the potential of China in terms of its size, economy and armed forces. However the region has adopted a new strategy in its approach to China. Instead of regarding and treating it as an adversary, ASEAN believes in constructive engagement. Relatively positive relations have developed, covering trade and economics as well as political relations. The regional states remain fearful of China but they feel that by engaging the country, the possibility of conflict is reduced.
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), formed in 1994 in Bangkok, marked the beginning of a significant ASEAN chapter. Although the organisation was formed as a socioeconomic body its raison d'être was political, and it recognises the importance of security issues as part of its agenda. One of ARF's primary goals is to build confidence among its members that comprise seven ASEAN members, dialogue partners and observers. The ARF also concentrates on preventative diplomacy and conflict resolution. With this institution, the region seems to be moving towards a secure, less structured community.
Officially Malaysia does not treat any states as adversaries, it prefers to see them as potential trading partners. But despite this noble position, issues with China and other neighbouring states cause Malaysia concern. There appears to be some rivalry between Malaysia and Singapore. Recent Singaporean violation of Malaysia's airspace, followed by severe criticism of the former by some quarters in Malaysia is a reminder of the potential conflict that could occur if positive steps are not taken to discuss such issues.
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Malaysia has recently purchased MiG-29s as part of a modernisation programme for its armed forces TIM RIPLEY |
Malaysia is keeping its options open. While playing a positive role in encouraging cordial relations with its neighbours, as well as regional co-operation; it conducts military co-operation initiatives and is modernising its armed forces. The country maintains bilateral defence relations with all its neighbours, including engaging in military exercises involving the three services.
Malaysia is engaged in a multilateral defence arrangement with Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand under the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA). The FPDA was formed in 1971 as a mechanism to replace the Anglo-Malayan Defence Agreement. This loose arrangement provides for consultation of members in the event either Malaysia or Singapore is attacked.
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The American Chinook is a possible candidate for troop mobility TIM RIPLEY |
Currently Malaysia is engaged in a modernisation programme for its armed forces. The objective is to transform its armed forces from what has been a counterinsurgency warfare (CIW) force into one that is oriented toward conventional warfare. Malaysia's armed forces are in need of modernisation in order to replace ageing and obsolete equipment. It only recently replaced the 1950s generation A-4 Skyhawks, with British Aerospace Hawk 100 and 200 series aircraft. It still operates F-5Es although recently it purchased MiG-29s as well as F-18s.
The armed forces are concentrating on a number of areas, the first being equipment. Malaysia still lacks an effective air defence system and apart from radar system and interceptors, it does not have any medium- or long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). The army does not have any medium tanks, only the ill-equipped and inadequate Scorpion light tanks. Malaysia is in the market for MBTs and a number of types have been shortlisted including the Polish, Russian and Czech T-72s, the British Vickers as well as possibly Korean and South African models.
The second area is to concentrate on joint operations, to establish better procedures as well as doctrines on joint operations involving more than two services. The armed forces also have set up a rapid reaction force as a means of increasing mobility. This requires new air-portable equipment.
In addition to concentrating on joint operations, each of the three services is enhancing its respective capability. The army has recently established its own army air wing and it plans to acquire its own transportation, both fixed and rotary wing. The navy is concentrating on building its surface fleet as well as improving its air wing. It is also improving the quality and quantity of its surface fleet. The air force is integrating and preparing to receive the aircraft it has ordered. Over the past few years, it has acquired five new systems, including transport aircraft.
The third area of modernisation is training and professionalism. The services are encouraging qualified recruits and recently have established a military academy that offers degree courses.
There is no doubt that Malaysia is keeping its options open. As much as it recognises the significance of regional affairs, it places equal importance on the modernisation of its armed forces. It is likely Malaysia will maintain a cau-tiously optimistic outlook and ensure its armed forces are well prepared for all eventualities.
