Winning sovereignty is only the beginning; a nation must also defend it. Malaysia protects its sovereignty through several complementary measures involving the government and every citizen.
Defence and security measures
- A strong armed forces: the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysia Police guard the country's land, sea and air borders against external and internal threats.
- Firm laws: the Federal Constitution and national laws uphold order and punish those who threaten security, such as during the Emergency (Darurat) against the communist insurgency.
- National security agencies: maritime and border agencies protect Malaysia's waters and territory.
Building loyal citizens
A nation is only as secure as the loyalty of its people. Malaysia strengthens sovereignty through:
- Patriotism and national spirit — love of country nurtured through the Rukun Negara and national education.
- National unity — a united, integrated society is harder for outsiders to divide, a lesson taken from the 13 May 1969 tragedy.
- Education — the National Education Policy and the use of the national language build a shared civic identity.
Key idea
Sovereignty is defended on two fronts: hard power (armed forces and laws) and soft power (patriotism, unity, education and diplomacy).
Diplomacy
Malaysia also protects its sovereignty through a wise foreign policy, resolving disputes peacefully and playing an active role in the United Nations, ASEAN and the Non-Aligned Movement so that its independence is respected internationally.
Remember
- Hard measures: armed forces (ATM), police, firm laws, security agencies.
- Soft measures: patriotism, unity, education, the Rukun Negara.
- Diplomacy: peaceful foreign policy through the UN, ASEAN and NAM.