A country’s sovereignty can be represented through symbols such as national border, control of borders, and the unity of people within territorial boundaries, where the land they live in belongs to the country and they are recognised as citizens.

Sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved and maintained. Geographically, Malaysia includes land and rivers, maritime zones and features, airspace and outer space, cyber domain, as well as territorial waters and sovereign rights over maritime zones. Therefore, sovereignty and territorial integrity are crucial in ensuring the stability and security of a country, including Malaysia.

In attempts to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity, several security issues, challenges, and threats have been identified to improve the protection of national interests over time. At the same time, the development of cyberspace plays an important role in improving the country’s modern and effective defence system, which further helps to strengthen sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the Malay Language Reference Centre (2022), sociopolitics refers to matters involving social and political factors. The National Defence Policy (DKN) 2021–2025 highlights sociopolitical stability as its second core value. This core value plays an important role in promoting peace and harmony among Malaysians.

The government is responsible for ensuring that the Malaysian Constitution is protected and respected. This includes principles of constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, the federal administrative system, and the protection of citizens’ rights under the Federal Constitution.

Simultaneously, citizens are also responsible in supporting government policies in order to maintain peace and national stability. These principles must be respected and followed by all Malaysians, regardless of political beliefs, religion, ethnicity, origin, or social status. A shift in public thinking should be viewed in terms of Malaysia’s ability to maintain its fundamental national values based on the Federal Constitution.

The growing shift in societal thinking is influenced by globalisation, the widespread use of modern information technology, and communication devices, which has led to global values becoming normalised as part of global culture. Thus, this has shaped people’s thinking and behaviour through global perspectives and foreign influences. This includes the formation of political and social values that were previously uncommon in Malaysia but have now become part of global trends.

The importance of sociopolitical stability to national security must be enhanced among political actors, government agencies, stakeholders, and society as a whole. Therefore, sociopolitical stability should be given serious attention as one of the core values of national security.

Malaysia was formed through its own distinctive and unique framework in shaping nation‑building, which led to the establishment of the Federal Constitution of 1957 as the country’s principal legal document. Consequently, the consensus among the Malay, Bumiputera, Chinese, and Indian communities gave rise to a social contract that embodies the spirit of unity within a multiracial society, grounded in constitutional principles (Mohd Azrone, 2018; Nazri Muslim, 2012).

In driving rapid national development, national cohesion founded on noble values serves as the cornerstone of nation‑building within a multiracial society. However, this agenda remains a challenge not only for Malaysia but also for all independent nations.

The Malay proverb “bulat air kerana pembetung, bulat manusia kerana muafakat” conveys that without unity and consensus, society will live in discord and division. The tragic racial riots of 13 May 1969 demonstrated the breakdown of social harmony, undermining the agreements established under the social contract.

This event is regarded as the only large‑scale ethnic violence since Malaysia gained independence in 1957. It has since become the basis for various policies and programmes aimed at minimising gaps in inter‑ethnic relations in Malaysia (Beh et al., 2021)

There are debates suggesting that the 13 May 1969 tragedy was a consequence of colonial rule and the lingering colonial mindset. The British “divide and rule” policy created significant socio‑economic disparities among the Malay, Bumiputera, Chinese, and Indian communities (Bernama, 2019).

Economic inequality among ethnic groups led to dissatisfaction within society, sparking conflicts that questioned citizenship rights, criticised Malay royal institutions, and challenged the special privileges of the Malays. As a result, the multiracial society became fragmented, and over time, mutual resentment grew.

This dark chapter serves as an important lesson for all Malaysians to remain united, respectful, and live harmoniously regardless of race or ethnicity (Wan Shahrudin & Zubir, 2020; A’Azmi et al., 2019; Sinar Harian, 2019). History has also taught us not to repeat the same mistakes that once tore the fabric of national unity. Although the 13 May 1969 tragedy occurred more than fifty years ago, the government continues to treat issues of unity in Malaysia with utmost seriousness (Nasir & Ahmad, 2009).

The core value of good governance good governance must be upheld by all parties to ensure that the nation’s sovereignty, security, and peace are continuously preserved. According to The Cadbury Report (1992)governance is defined as a system by which organisations are directed and controlled. The practice of good governance has gained the attention of the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank in their efforts to plan sustainable development (Mohd Gunawan, 2019).

Through the development of the concept of good governance, it is seen to enhance organisational accountability and legitimacy (Norhaslinda, 2019), integrity and transparency, and ultimately ensure the continuity of Malaysia’s corporate governance institutions globally (Nina & SM, 2019).

Nina and SM (2019) noted that the financial crisis of 1997 served as a catalyst for governance reform in Malaysia. Generally, the concept of good governance began to be practised by the private sector through the introduction of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) in 2000 (Securities Commission, 2021).

Recognising the positive impact of good corporate governance, the public sector also began adopting similar practices through the Guidelines for Enhancing Governance in the Public Sector issued on 9 March 2007.

However, the need for good governance is not confined to the public and private sectors alone. Non‑Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the general public, the media, and academic or civil society groups also play vital roles in national development, with the shared goal of improving the quality of life for society (Mohd Sidek, 2007).

The 5th core value in the National Security Policy (DKN) refers to economic integrity. According to DKN 2021-2025, the core value means that a nation possesses a sustainable and resilient economy, against both internal and external economic threats. Economic security is an aspect of high priority as it ensures economic integrity and the people’s well-being (Engagement Session, Ministry of Internal Trade and Industry Malaysia, 2022).

In 1998, Malaysia faced an economic recession following the 1997 financial crisis affecting countries such as Thailand and Indonesia. During the period, the economic standing and value of the Malaysian Ringgit were critically low, approximately at 7%, as a result of the sharp decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The financial crisis left a profound impact on the national economy as the country was unable to sustain the crushing burden of debt at the time (Mun, 2000).

Therefore, to mitigate the adverse implications due to global financial crises, Malaysia must aggressively bolster its export and domestic economies to safeguard the nation’s economic stability.

The reality is not all nations are capable of sustainable economic growth, as they desired. Various issues and challenges arise as they fortify their economic stability. Malaysia is not the only one as both developing and developed nations are not exempted from facing challenges upon strengthening their economies.

Malaysia is a multiracial nation, known for its plural society, that has been around over six decades. Given the nation’s inherent diversity, the principles and elements of equality must be greatly emphasised in various aspects as they determine societal harmony and national well-being (Faiz, 2020).

Siti Noor Atikah, Ahmad Sunawari, Yusri (2021) assert that justice is a great principle that creates balance, harmony, and cohesion within a society of diverse races, ethnicities, and religions. Should this element be neglected, the nation will face various challenges including gender and racial discrimination, economic instability, and other issues (Sinar Harian, 2020c). In essence, a democratic nation must be anchored in social justice.

Alongside good governance and the rule of law, social justice is regarded as a primary pillar in forming a secure nation.

Discussions on social justice have been prevalent and a subject of intense discourse across diverse societies for centuries (Siti Noor Atikah, Ahmad Sunawari & Yusri, 2021). It remains the public’s central demand, to this day.

Sustainable development represents the seventh pillar in the National Security Policy (DKN) 2021–2025, and it is a global agenda that must be emphasised when assessing national security. This is because sustainable national development ensures the continuity of national resources, the well-being of the people, and guarantees that these resources can be enjoyed by future generations.

In driving sustainable national development, economic growth must be balanced with social considerations and environmental preservation. Thus, in the context of safeguarding national security, the sustainable development agenda can serve as a national strength, complementing other efforts and deserving of priority (Smiljanic, 2016).

Research on the integration of sustainable development and national security began to emerge in the literature around the year 2000, particularly focusing on environmental security and energy resource security (Smiljanic, 2016).

Jalaluddin (2015) also stated that sustainable development must take into account all aspects of development, summarised by the acronym “PEDSITELE”; politics and administration, economy, demography, socio‑culture, infrastructure, technology and innovation, education, legislation, and environment. In other words, all key aspects of national development must be given due attention to ensure that planned development is holistic, balanced, and sustainable.

Indeed, security is one of the key pillars and serves as the foundation for the success of every individual in preserving the nation’s independence, peace, and well-being. Assured security enables citizens to feel safe within their own country.

The growth of ideas and the evolving global security environment have witnessed a shift from a state‑centric security approach to a people‑centric security approach. (people centric security)Emphasising people‑centric security allows for greater public participation in planning programmes to safeguard national security and protect their loved ones.

The aspects of well-being, welfare, and the rights of Malaysian citizens are enshrined under the Federal Constitution and must be protected and guaranteed by the government. At the same time, the rights of the nation must also be upheld and defended by its people with patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility towards national security and continuity.

This situation demonstrates that citizens must also strive and cooperate in maintaining security, rather than placing the entire responsibility solely on the government. Human security is governed comprehensively through the management of relevant elements across various fields, sectors, administrative hierarchies, and social structures. Through efficient governance of human security, the prosperity achieved will not only be enjoyed by Malaysians but will also contribute to the advancement of human civilisation as a whole (National Security Policy 2021–2025).

Pillar 9 refers to ‘International Recognition’ in the National Security Policy (DKN) 2021–2025, which states that Malaysia’s pragmatic, principled, and neutral stance has successfully ensured continuous recognition and cooperation with major regional and international powers across various domains, including politics, economics, and security. The implementation of foreign policies encompassing bilateral and multilateral diplomatic strategies has further strengthened consistent collaborative ties. As a result, Malaysia’s positive image and reputation at the international level have been established, thereby ensuring ongoing recognition of the nation’s sovereignty and interests.

The process of forming Southeast Asian regionalism represents the development of mutual understanding and cooperation among countries within the region, which emerged during the 1950s and 1960s. The main driving factors behind regionalism include regional political stability, the pursuit of peace, conflict resolution, security assurance, economic development, and inter‑state cooperation, particularly in addressing issues of regional concern (Huxley, 2008).

The formation of regionalism involves the collaboration of regional countries in expressing views, proposals, approaches, and positions that represent member states. In building such alliances, mutual understanding among nations is essential to achieve unity, cooperation, and mutual respect within the region. Regional organisations play a crucial role in resolving border conflicts, sovereignty disputes, territorial intrusions, island claims, and other related issues.