KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's successful hosting of mega international events has indirectly contributed to the country's improved ranking in several global indices.
Deputy Home Minister II Datuk Jonathon Yasin said that as of last year, Malaysia ranked 23rd out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index and 25th in the World Competitiveness Index.
"Our national crime index has also lowered to 148 cases per 100,000 population, which contributes to the increase in Malaysians' security level to 64.67 per cent as of last year," he said in his closing remarks at the conclusion of the four-day 'Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 and National Security Conference Asia (NATSEC) 2022' being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Dutamas.
Present was Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Referring to DSA 2022 and Natsec Asia 2022 as great success stories, Jonathon said over the last four days, he was in total wonderment and awe at the sheer magnitude of the show.
"As they say, seeing is believing, and I daresay DSA and Natsec Asia have found a new fan in me!
"I can simply describe DSA 2022 and Natsec Asia 2022 as the best defence and national security-related show, ever!
"And to be part of this tremendous and multifaceted endeavour is certainly something that I will cherish and remember for a long time," he said.
Jonathon added that he was under no delusion that organising one of the top defence and security-related events in the world was no easy feat in itself, let alone during a pandemic (Covid-19).
"In fact, some might say it was even near impossible. The last four days were a major endeavour that involved the utmost determination, planning, coordination and cooperation, and DSA 2022 and Natsec Asia 2022 are indeed a testament to this.
"The months and even years of hard work, dedication and perseverance has certainly paid off.
"And today, I am sure everyone here can attest to the overarching success of the programmes over the last four days, in spite of all the challenges and obstacles faced.
"If I may borrow the words of Nelson Mandela here – it always seems impossible until it is done!" he said.
This year's show also marked the second edition of Natsec Asia, further elevating its status of being the only kind in the world to feature both defence and national security-related issues, side by side on the same platform.
"In this regard, Malaysia has certainly led the way in providing a unified platform for the region to be heard by the rest of the world," said Jonathon.
He cited instances where the ministry was actively involved in areas which included fighting modern day slavery, human trafficking and forced labour.
"We have also been making reforms to improve our management of foreign workers," he said.
The ministry, he said, was also currently developing the National Integrated Immigration System and National Digital Identity which utilises technology in improving national and foreign registration in the country.
"These are just examples of how events such as DSA and Natsec Asia can greatly contribute towards global intercommunication in dealing with real-world problems, not only in Malaysia, but also on a regional and global level.
"However, the ultimate success of DSA and Natsec Asia does not solely lie in its organisation, development and programmes, but equally in its participation.
"So here, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate every single participant of DSA 2022 and Natsec Asia 2022 for making this edition a true success.
"My heartiest appreciation and gratitude goes out to everyone present here and those who have worked equally hard behind the scenes," he said.