BY: ADIBA AZILA

While there are growing calls to strengthen law enforcement agencies and other institutions of law and order, to a lesser extent Malaysians want the Armed Forces also to constantly be in a state of preparedness.

If Malaysians recall, in the Lahad Datu intrusion by heirs of the Sulu Sultanate, the army, the air force and the navy combined to display the nation’s strength in defending the nation from the intruders.

Now with the South China Sea under dispute and the country’s boundary being redrawn and claimed by China, it is important not to lose even an inch of territory to foreign powers and this is why the defence forces must be ready.

Not only is it important for Malaysia to sign treaties and agreements with our neighbours to come together to defend the sovereignty of countries but have a capable air, land and sea defence to cover us.

This means having equipment and artillery and firepower that is sufficiently strong to ensure the nation is no pushover when it comes to disputes or claims of territory as the actual borders and boundaries of our nation are internationally recognised.

However, Malaysia must tread cautiously and with care and not be caught in the middle of any conflict between the superpowers especially the United States and China and must strive for friendly and cordial ties with both these nations.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher