Attempting to remain apolitical: Assessing the challenges of Malaysia's military. Issue 3 (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamaruddin, Nurliana; Rogers, Roy Anthony
• Is Part Of: Asian affairs. Volume 48:Issue 3/4(2021)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: Malaysia -- civilian-military relations -- security -- Southeast Asia -- civilian control; Asia -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; Asia -- Foreign relations -- United States -- Periodicals; United States -- Foreign relations -- Asia -- Periodicals; Asia -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 327.5
• DOI: 10.1080/00927678.2022.2068361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0092-7678

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper examines Malaysia's civilian-military relationship, assessing why the military has remained apolitical since Malaysia's independence and the consequences that might lead to changing dynamics in the relations. By utilizing a qualitative case study method, the paper explores the theories exploring modern civilian-military relations and establish the usage of the framework adapted from Croissant et al. to evaluate Malaysia's civilian-military relationship. The five areas assessed in the framework are leadership selection, public policy, internal security, external defence, and military organization. From here three factors play a crucial role in possibly changing the balance of military-civilian relations in Malaysia. These are the integrity of political institutions, the role of the King in military organization and worsening socio-economic conditions.