National Defence University of Malaysia’s (UPNM) defence studies director, Leong Kok Wey, said boosting cybersecurity should be part of a broader strategy that includes medium-range air defence systems (Merad) and multirole support ships (MRSS) for the navy.
Leong said the nation’s defence spending must remain consistent even without an immediate threat, as such consistency sends a clear signal of political will to allies and potential adversaries.
“You will never know when an adversary decides to harm our country, or the defence capabilities are needed to deter an enemy from doing so. One key element of Malaysia’s defence policy is anchored in its concentric deterrence strategy.
“Deterrence works only if we maintain sufficient military power to make aggression costly and difficult,” he said.
UPNM senior lecturer Nur Surayya Saudi said cyber and air defence are equally critical, describing the former as the first line of protection against modern threats.
Nur Surayya warned that cyberattacks can cripple financial systems, energy networks, communications, and even military operations without a single physical intrusion.
She said defence spending must also balance technology with troop welfare, discipline, and training.
“The true strength of defence comes from the spirit and skills of those who operate the systems,” she said.
Nur Surayya said technology spending should focus on unmanned aerial vehicles, artificial intelligence, modular armoured systems, and platforms for cyber and electronic warfare.
She also urged the use of key performance indicators, audits, and outcome-based budgeting to ensure accountability.
According to her, the defence budget should be treated as part of a national security strategy aimed at transforming the armed forces into a modern, integrated force which is equipped for future challenges and is capable of countering both conventional and hybrid threats.
Both experts also said the 2026 budget must strike a balance between investments in technology, personnel, and strategic capability.