PUTRAJAYA, July 9 — Malaysia must shift from conventional security measures to more comprehensive strategies amid rapidly evolving threats, including emerging technologies such as AI, post-quantum cryptography, and drones, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said the changing security landscape requires close collaboration between the government, private sector and the public to ensure the country’s security.
“A whole-of-nation approach is essential. There can no longer be compartmentalisation where issues are seen as belonging solely to the private sector, a department or a ministry.
“We must foster synergy through a coordinated approach involving government departments and ministries," he said when launching National Security Month 2026, organised by the National Security Council (NSC), here today.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and NSC director-general Datuk Raja Nurshirwan Zainal Abidin.
At the same event, Anwar launched the National Cyber Security Summit (NCSS), the National Cryptography Policy (MyKriptografi), the MyKriptografi Action Plan, and the AI Systems Cybersecurity Framework (AISCF).
“We have moved beyond the conventional understanding of security, where it was seen as just the responsibility of the military, police and other enforcement agencies.
“Today, security concerns have reached every home and every individual,” he said.
Anwar said families should be the first line of defence in protecting children from harmful values and ideologies that could undermine national security.
“Just as digital systems have firewalls, every family should build its own firewall to safeguard not only the morals and values of children but also protect them from being influenced by ideologies that could threaten national security,” he said.
He added that close cooperation with friendly countries remains essential in addressing cross-border threats, including cybersecurity, border security and the use of emerging technologies.
“If we do not have close cooperation with other countries, we will face difficulties,” Anwar said.
He also expressed concern over the growing use of state, racial and religious sentiments, warning that such divisions could threaten national harmony and security if left unchecked.
He added that Malaysians should not become distracted by old political polemics or divisive identity-based narratives, as the country faces more complex security challenges, including technological and digital threats.
“I often remind my colleagues during parliamentary debates that we are still dwelling on old issues — race, religion, regional and state sentiments.
“These are not the issues that deserve our greatest attention when the country is facing much bigger threats. That is what concerns me.”
The finance minister said leaders across government departments, agencies and ministries must adopt a more proactive approach instead of just reacting.
“This is the responsibility of leaders in every department, agency and ministry. This is not routine bureaucracy. We must quickly understand emerging technologies and new security challenges,” Anwar said.
