A naval defence policy and strategies to Safeguard Malaysia's Maritime Security interests

The prospect of a new political era in 2018 has injected new life into Malaysia's defence policy. This transformation began with the publication of Malaysia’s first Defence White Paper (DWP) in 2020 for the period until 2030. Among the key drivers, the new defence strategies: Concentric Deterrence, Comprehensive Defence, and Credible Partnership become the essence of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). This three-tiered defence strategy was fundamentally dependent upon having a high state of readiness of armed forces to deal with the traditional and non-traditional threats as well as uncertain security environment. Accordingly, the MAF has taken a step in line with the DWP by developing National Military Strategy (NMS) 2.0 as announced by the Chief of Defence Force on 26th September 2022. Thus, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ought to review its naval defence policy and strategies from the previous decade governed by the Maritime Defence Strategy (MDS) 2009 and National Defence Policy (NDP) 2010 to align them with the current national defence policies and strategies. With this, the dissertation will focus on the "A Naval Defence Policy and Strategies to Safeguard Malaysia's Maritime Security Interests" based on DWP, NMS 2.0 and not missing out on RMN's 15to5 Transformation Programme, which was published in 2018. The research was conducted using a qualitative method whereby primary data was obtained through in-depth interviews and governmental documents. Secondary data was obtained via scholarly databases, newspapers, and electronic resources. RMN's naval defence policy and strategies, as found in the MDS 2009 and was further developed through the RMN's 15to5 Transformation Programme, are crucial elements in ensuring that the RMN can execute its role to strengthening naval defence through applying traditional naval warfare mission and objectives, maritime collaboration and enhancing naval diplomacy. In performing its military functions of undertaking Concentric Deterrence, the activities of the RMN encompass two types of warfare missions and operations, sea control and sea denial. While the constabulary role of the RMN focuses on which is can be seen from two different angles called collaboration in dealing with non-traditional threats and against traditional threats. The diplomacy aspect is primarily executed through efforts such as Confidence Building Measures (CBM). The study also found that RMN's ability to perform its core functions requires four strategic thrusts, namely the development of fleet capabilities, force capacity development, realignment of naval doctrine as well as integration and support towards the concept of joint maritime operations. Firstly, enhance the development of the fleet's capabilities based on the military role that RMN should perform whether in peacetime or conflict. Secondly, elevating the force capacity in the RMN. Human resources have become one of the most crucial assets in RMN. Thirdly, improve doctrine management and it is also needs to strive to provide a conceptual framework for the military at every level (strategic, operational, and tactical). And finally, improve integration and support towards the concept of joint maritime operations. Such an approach is important because besides having effect increase ability by multiple or multiplier effects, it also allows RMN to use each other's advantages optimally.