00:00Two defense experts have called for Malaysia's cyber capabilities to be prioritized in the
00:062026 defense budget.
00:08National Defense University of Malaysia's Defense Studies Director Leong Kok Wei said
00:14cybersecurity should be part of a broader strategy that includes medium-range air defense
00:19systems and multi-role support ships.
00:23He said consistent defense spending is necessary even without immediate threats, as it signals
00:28strong political will to both allies and adversaries.
00:33Leong added that Malaysia's concentric deterrence strategy relies on maintaining enough military
00:38power to make any aggression costly and difficult.
00:43UPNM senior lecturer Noor Suraya Saudi said cyber and air defense are equally critical, with
00:49cyber being the first line of protection against modern threats.
00:53She warned that cyber attacks can cripple financial systems, energy networks, communications
01:00and military operations without a physical intrusion.
01:04Both experts agreed the 2026 budget must balance investments in technology, personnel and strategic
01:11capability to prepare the armed forces for future challenges.
01:15Panyu Zhou, FMT.
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