SANDAKAN, Aug 8 — Malaysia is setting its sights on securing a spot among the world’s top 10 safest nations in the Global Peace Index, driven by strategic national security initiatives and substantial long-term investments in regional stability.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the national objective, noting that Malaysia currently holds 12th position out of 165 countries globally. Within ASEAN, Malaysia ranks second behind Singapore, while placing third in the Asia-Pacific region below Singapore and New Zealand.
To achieve this goal under the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the Home Minister confirmed he has issued a direct directive to ministry leadership to execute policies designed to elevate the country’s global peace standing.
“As we move towards the 13th Malaysia Plan, I have given a specific instruction to my secretary-general that we must work towards achieving a position within the top 10 of Global Peace Index,” Saifuddin Nasution stated.
Speaking at a dinner event held in conjunction with a security briefing and assessment programme involving foreign representatives to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), the minister emphasized that national peace forms the bedrock of economic progress and international trust.
“Security and stability create confidence, and confidence becomes the foundation upon which everything else is built,” he added.
Addressing security infrastructure in East Malaysia, Saifuddin Nasution revealed that the Federal Government has channeled RM723 million over the past 13 years into safeguarding the ESSZone.
He stressed that these allocations, overseen through the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), have successfully fortified defense capabilities, protected maritime borders, and restored peace across eastern Sabah.
“As a result, we are now in a much better position, the ability to travel freely across our waters, visit our islands and engage with our communities is made possible through the unwavering commitment of the government led by the ministry through Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM),” he said.
The Home Minister also conveyed Malaysia’s official appreciation to international partners, specifically praising Australia and the Republic of Korea for their constructive reassessments of travel advisories regarding the ESSZone.
He highlighted Japan’s proactive steps in revising its advice on two occasions and welcomed the decision by the United States to initiate a similar evaluation.
“I would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Japan for its thoughtful efforts in reviewing and updating its travel advisory on two occasions, reflecting its continued commitment to ensuring that its advice remains aligned with prevailing conditions. Most recently, we welcomed the United States’ decision to undertake a similar review,” he stated.
Saifuddin Nasution affirmed that updated international travel advisories validate Malaysia’s tangible security achievements while reinforcing foreign confidence, boosting tourism, encouraging sustainable foreign direct investment, and deepening diplomatic partnerships.
–NMT
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