KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to uphold its stance as a country that practices neutrality and adopts a middle power position, emphasising the importance of diplomacy in addressing both regional and global security challenges, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
He added that Malaysia will continue and contribute to its defence diplomacy by being a nation that will prefer diplomacy as its first element of defence.
"We are open to negotiate, to collaborate and to participate. However, we do have our firm stance, our principles and our uncompromised sovereignty.
"This is the very outlook of this nation that we wish all will appreciate and respect," he said in his speech at the National Centre for Defence Studies Graduation Ceremony.
Khaled said being a 'middle power' was never about 'power' per se.
"It is about being neutral, being a friend to all, and prioritising diplomacy in our defence strategy.
"It also means that we will not adopt extreme or radical approaches, as long as diplomacy and neutrality remain effective," he said, adding that he is committed to advancing the middle power aspiration as a key agenda for the ministry.
He added Malaysia must strive to make the nation a respected middle power.
"We have all the foundations required to be middle power. It is not an unfounded aspiration or far-fetched dream.
"But a practical commitment that is evident in the various roles and developments of our nation."
In his speech, Khaled also stated that Malaysia must invest in a future-proof defence system to safeguard its national security.
The need for this, said Khaled, stems from three key observations about the rapidly changing landscape of warfare and international relations.
"First, the technologically advanced landscape, driven by digital innovation and significant scientific progress, has reshaped the nature of conflicts.
"The rise of digital innovation, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering battlefields.
"Future warfare will increasingly be shaped by software, unmanned platforms, and advanced weapons, including biological and chemical threats.
"Additionally, the spread of misinformation and cognitive warfare tactics will play a larger role in shaping military strategies," he said.
Second, Khaled said, the rivalries between great powers have become increasingly apparent.
"As trade wars, tariff disputes, and competition over defence technology escalate, Malaysia cannot simply remain a passive observer.
"Nor can we issue the usual de-escalation statements and consider everything business as usual.
"Power struggles between major powers will inevitably impact us with various pressures and effects. Hence, our readiness goes beyond just preparing a superior defence fleet."
Third, Khaled said, non-traditional threats, such as climate change and cyberattacks, pose a growing risk to national security.
"While the likelihood of engaging in traditional warfare is remote and isolated, non-traditional threats are no longer peculiar or distant.
"They are now more normalised, common, and mainstream. Our involvement in complex operations resulting from climate change or cyberattacks that disable national infrastructure is very real.
"All these factors blur the lines between defence and security jurisdictions."