Enhanced measures taken by Malaysia to counter challenges in the South China Sea, leading one to question if these actions could disrupt the existing peace.
Malaysia's 13th Development Roadmap Emphasizes Focus on South China Sea
In a significant development, Malaysia's latest five-year development plan, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), has highlighted the South China Sea as a key area of focus for military deterrence efforts. This shift from the previous 12th Malaysia Plan, which generally discussed improving defence capabilities without singling out the South China Sea, marks a more comprehensive approach to confronting sovereignty and security threats in the disputed maritime region.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who tabled the 13MP in parliament on July 31, made this statement while outlining the development roadmap. The plan does not specify exact monetary budget allocations for defence and security in the South China Sea. However, it emphasizes a strategic focus on intensifying readiness to confront sovereignty and security threats in this disputed maritime region.
The plan outlines enhanced military deterrence, possibly through increased use of technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more effective monitoring of offshore resource areas. Analysts suggest that this focus on the South China Sea could bring deeper meaning to the defence strategy.
According to Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow, it is surprising that the issue of sovereignty is included in the 13MP, which is primarily a strategic economic plan. However, he notes that Malaysian concerns over the South China Sea are not surprising, given the country's efforts to build up its military capabilities in East Malaysia.
The 13MP signals intensified focus and possible targeted spending on South China Sea defence and security, utilizing modern technologies and improved military readiness. Efforts will strengthen land and maritime border controls to curb cross-border threats related to the South China Sea dispute.
Defence and security capabilities and personnel capacity will be augmented with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, as part of an integrated and agile Future Force initiative. The Malaysian military aims to do more with less to counter threats in the South China Sea.
Despite these strategic intentions, the official 13MP document publicly available does not detail an exact financial figure dedicated solely to South China Sea defence and security. The total development expenditure under the 13MP is RM430 billion federally, covering over 600 initiatives across various sectors. However, sector-specific budget breakdowns for defence, especially focused on the South China Sea, are not explicitly itemized in the sources.
The South China Sea, a disputed and resource-rich waterway, has been a source of regional tensions for many years. The Malaysian government is considering allocating specific budgets for more effective monitoring of offshore resource areas, reflecting the increasing strategic importance of this area.
[1] The Star Online. (2022, August 1). Malaysia's 13th Plan: Focus on South China Sea. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/01/malaysias-13th-plan-focus-on-south-china-sea
[2] Bernama. (2022, July 31). 13th Malaysia Plan: Focus on South China Sea. Retrieved from https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1993079
[4] Malay Mail. (2022, August 1). Malaysia's 13th Plan: Focus on South China Sea, but budget details remain unclear. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2022/08/01/malaysias-13th-plan-focus-on-south-china-sea-but-budget-details-remain-unclear/1987720
- Top stories this week: Malaysia's 13th Plan prioritizes South China Sea as a key focus, marking a significant shift from the previous plan in addressing security threats in the disputed maritime region.
- General news: The increased focus on the South China Sea in Malaysia's new development plan may lead to targeted spending on defense and security, leveraging advanced technologies to bolster military readiness and strengthen borders against cross-border threats.
