IS Malaysia ready to face the global changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the United States-China trade war, and come out stronger in addressing security issues facing the country?
Several scholarly views have been offered in addressing the readiness of the country. Huntington (1996), for example, states that the problem of value collisions and clash of civilisations will shape the world in the 21st century. Among the most significant is the US-China trade war.
For Malaysia, the disputes between ethnic groups will define development in the political, social and economic spheres. It is interesting to note that evidence suggests that unity, in the name of ideology and politics, will not last long. For example, Koreans in South and North Korea are of the same race, but they are separated by ideology and politics.
However, during the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, the Koreans — North and South — united in the name of the Korean Union because they have the same core civilisation, DNA and culture.
Given the current world development, each country appears to unite itself with its allies through similarities and common interests in economic, political or social matters.
For example, European countries are trying to come together to build a stronger economic community. China is increasingly open in all respects but has started consolidating itself with its Belt and Road Initiative that spreads across Asia, the Arabian Gulf, Europe and Russia.
In Malaysia, racial conflicts are rare because the government has implemented programmes to unite the ethnic groups. But its success is not guaranteed because disruptive elements are always looking to commit crimes and terrorism to derail this good effort.
The risk of conflicts among multiracial people is more apparent because of competition in politics and economy based on racial lines. We can’t afford to take the “wait-and-see” attitude.
One of the conditions of national security is the wellbeing of the people — it must be felt and enjoyed by all.
Wellness can be seen in the context of religion, economy, politics, and education.
A simple example is in the religious context. Most are aware that Malaysia has a diversity of beliefs. Today, global terrorism is threatening to compromise Malaysia’s security.
Security forces may be able to monitor and control religious risks on social media and the Internet, but terrorist groups in the community are more difficult to manage. They show no early signs of being a threat to the safety and wellbeing of the people until they become one, by which time it is too late.
Regional unity is fundamental to Malaysia’s survival. Understand that the unity of Malaysians will bring strength and togetherness, and separation will lead to weakness.
If unity is weak, it is easy for our country to slip into a decline, be it politically, socially or economically.
Dr Al-Azharri Siddiq Kamunri from Kuala Lumpur