KUALA LUMPUR: The world must remain ever vigilant in facing the threats to countries and regions, as it recovers from the devastating impact that Covid-19 has wrought lives.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein warned those in the security business that traditional and non-traditional threats, in various shapes and forms, must be effectively addressed before it escalated to pose clear, present and even catastrophic danger to countries all over the world.
"Today, the Asean region faces a more diverse range of serious threats than at any point in our history.
"Protecting our countries from these threats should be one of the top priorities of federal governments, which require preparedness and competency of our nations at all levels, in handling these issues.
"In this regard, Malaysia last year initiated the Defence Ministry's 'Strategic Plan 2021 to 2025', which outlines strategies and initiatives to be carried out within a five-year period to reach its desired output and outcomes.
"The Strategic Plan is also aligned and coordinated with other policies within the ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces, including the Defence White Paper, National Military Strategy, 4th Dimension Malaysian Armed Forced, as well as three supporting papers under them, namely the National Defence and Security Industry Policy, Defence Capacity Blueprint and National Defence Investment Plan," he said at a welcome reception for the Defence Services Asia 2022 (DSA) and National Security Conference (NATSEC) 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Jalan Pinang.
Evidently, he said, these were high profile and ambitious aspirations, which they were confident of achieving.
"However, the outcome would be greater with a bigger impact when done in collaboration with other countries, especially within the region, as many of the issues facing us are transnational and transboundary in nature.
"Therefore, solid collaboration and cooperation with our regional and global allies are extremely crucial in achieving these goals.
"This is why events such as DSA and NATSEC are highly instrumental in facilitating the successful implementation of these policies and action plans.
"These events involve the participation of not only high-ranking armed forces personnel, but also businesses and organisations from within the region and around the world – all under one roof," Hishammuddin said.
He added that DSA and NATSEC were one of the leading defence and security shows in the world that had always been close to his heart.
"Leading up to this day, I have been frequently asked whether it is wise to hold large-scale events such as the DSA and NATSEC during a pandemic.
"While these are warranted concerns, rest assured, we have spared no expense in ensuring that the events will adhere to all prevailing health protocols," he said.
The sheer size and magnitude of this year's DSA and NATSEC, he added, were a sign of the era that they were about to enter – an era where they must learn to live with the virus.
"As Malaysia is about to enter the transition to endemic phase, we are showing to the world that Malaysia is now open for business.
"Having already missed the 2020 installation of DSA and NATSEC, we collectively and wholeheartedly believe that it is high time we bring back these much-anticipated events.
"We are much more prepared and confident today in securely organizing these world-class events," said Hishammuddin.
The theme for DSA and NATSEC Asia 2022 – 'Advancing Into a New Era of Defence and Security' – could not be more apt to comprehensively portray the tremendous role these events play in setting the course for international defence, especially moving into the post-pandemic era.
"Events such as DSA and NATSEC are vital as it brings together over 350 leaders and more than 25,000 visitors from over 45 countries.
"One of the many things I have learned during my previous tenure as the Foreign Minister, it is that there is no substitute for meaningful, face-to-face meetings. Technology through video conferences can only take us so far.
"It is my sincere belief that your presence here certainly makes this iteration of DSA and NATSEC more meaningful and will go a long way in contributing towards its success," he said.
Over the next four days, he said he and his counterparts would be holding bilateral meetings as well as the long-awaited Ministerial Meeting of the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA).
"All of which marks a historic and positive milestone for the continued development and advancement of the joint defence and national security agendas of Asean nations, and by extension, the global defence fraternity.
"If history is to be repeated, I am certain that the 17th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference, together with the 2nd International Exhibition on National Security for Asia will be the best bet," he said.