The national security index are comprised of nine basic values: territorial sovereignty and integrity, socio-political stability, national unity, good governance, economic integrity, social justice, sustainable development, people’s security, and international recognition. Therefore, socio-political stability is one of the core values used to measure a country’s security level.
The demand for socio- political stability in this nation cannot be compromised and must be protected. Political parties must recognise that ensuring the security of our coalition-governed government is a vital principle of our nation. Despite this, this fundamental value is considered as becoming increasingly unstable and can only be described as acceptable. This is occurring because preventing the disintegration of national security from fundamental principles is inextricably related to safeguarding the integrity of the country’s constitution, which protects the rights of the people. External and internal conflicts, as well as an unhealthy political culture in our country, impede the execution of the democratic parliamentary system of our nation. Why is this usually described without a period? Can the people rely on a government in which coalition parties are not united and the value of integrity is tenuous? Certainly, this issue can threaten national security if several factors influence a given situation.
Several socio political security indicators for our country have been identified based on the preliminary findings of the study. These indicators can, to a certain extent, provide a clear view of the instability and weakness of the country’s political situation at a level that requires the attention of all, particularly the political parties that will contest in this general election. This set of indications can be summed up using a few key elements. The first is the status and condition of political parties in relation to the behaviour of political actors in demonstrating unity without internal strife, which is influenced by external influences. The concept of power sharing should be executed by consensus, without the dominance of certain parties, using an equal sharing formula, in order to rule a country with diverse backgrounds. The governing process is devoid of bias and lust for power. Their openness and willingness to collaborate with other political ideologies to debate and plan the people’s interests and aspirations. Such as issues of poverty, education, health, comfortable living standards, a sustainable economy, and amenities for the comfort of people’s lives, as well as other features that benefit the people.
The second element is the support of the people in creating the national administrative system based on the interests of the people rather than individual interests. People’s perceptions should be taken into consideration correctly so that the people’s trust in the government is not damaged, i.e., there is no decline in people’s trust. This can also secure the longevity of an administration in order to garner ongoing support. Third is the provision of services that satisfy the needs and desires of the people. This is also essential because the government must balance the uniqueness of its constituents with the effectiveness and openness of its leaders in delivering services with honesty. Other aspects mentioned include an unhealthy political culture characterised by money politics, a refusal to play with Malay supremacy, a corrupt society, extremism, dehumanisation, and the questioning of racial and religious concerns. This can irreparably harm the country’s standing in the eyes of the global community.Therefore, the social contract must be followed, that is, rights and advantages must be accepted freely and without debate.
The author is a member of a large group of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) researchers doing National Security Index research for the National Security Council.
