Malaysia calls for stronger cyber defence at ADMM

Asean 2025

“Invisible” digital threats are just as dangerous as those confronting our maritime zones, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.  In his opening remarks at the 19th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), Khaled emphasised the need to give equal attention to the digital domain in the pursuit of regional security.  Read more at https://tinyurl.com/58xx4msu  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

Transcript

00:00With Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and a very good morning.

00:05In a world divided by rivalry and mistrust among us,

00:11ASEAN stand has a living proof that harmony is both possible and necessary.

00:21Nearly six decades ago, our founders made a profound choice driven by values and interests

00:32to look at our neighbours as partners.

00:38Then we formed ASEAN, not as an alliance of power but as partnership for peace.

00:45ASEAN's strength lies in its values, respect for sovereignty and independence,

00:54non-interference in one's affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes,

01:00the renunciation of force and effective cooperation.

01:05And through the ADMM, we make these values come alive.

01:11From joint exercises to peace dialogues and practical cooperation.

01:20Malaysia's team this year, ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity,

01:27reflects our belief that unity is our shield against uncertainty

01:34and our enduring promise for peace.

01:38Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

01:43our core principle has always been ASEAN centrality.

01:49For only by standing together can ASEAN remain united,

01:55strong and resilient despite our limitation.

02:00ASEAN must remain the principle platform for dialogue and cooperation in this region.

02:08The ADMM must evolve with the times

02:12because threats today transcend borders and dimension.

02:20We see the challenges in the South China Sea,

02:24but we must also recognize that our digital RAM is equally at risk.

02:32The threats that test our networks and system may be invisible,

02:41but just as dangerous as those threatening our maritime zones.

02:49Whether on land, at sea, or in the cyberspace,

02:56we cannot afford to ignore any front of our security anymore.

03:05Powerful non-state actors will technology as their weapon

03:11to disrupt societies, topple government and undermine critical infrastructure

03:19through cyber attacks, misinformation and digital manipulation.

03:26If we fail to invest against these threats,

03:31we fail to secure our future.

03:35Therefore, the ADMM must go beyond traditional military cooperation

03:41by advancing into technological foresight,

03:46cyber security collaboration and shared innovation.

03:51Peace in our seas, the digital domain and the cyberspace

03:57is not just ASEAN's concern.

04:01It is a global responsibility.

04:04And within our region, ASEAN through the ADMM

04:09must remain at the center to lead, safeguard and secure this region.

04:18ASEAN's expanding convening power proves that others believe in ASEAN's way.

04:26I take this opportunity to thank Thailand and Cambodia

04:30for entrusting Malaysia to help facilitate

04:34and expedite the peaceful resolution of their border dispute.

04:40and also to all ASEAN nations, including our partners such as the United States,

04:46for their continuous support for this effort.

04:50I urge all ASEAN nations to not only support this peaceful effort,

04:57but also to facilitate and expedite the formation of the ASEAN Observer Team.

05:04Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

05:09through ADMM and ADMM Plus,

05:13let us ensure that defense remains not just a shield of protection,

05:20but also a foundation for lasting peace.

05:26Terima kasih for your presence, partnership,

05:28and continued confidence in ASEAN and ADMM.

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