Malaysia: Security Assistance
Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
United States Department of State
Washington, DC
July 11, 2007
Background: During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965. 
Malaysia: Security Assistance
($ in thousands)
Account |
FY 2005 Actual |
FY 2006 Actual |
FY 2007 Request |
FY 2008 Request |
IMET |
1,100 |
891 |
885 |
920 |
Malaysia, a key Muslim-majority state in Southeast Asia, cooperates closely with the U.S. in counterterrorism, military relations, trade and education. Malaysia has been an especially important partner in the global campaign against terrorism. In 2003 the Government of Malaysia (GOM) established the Southeast Asia Regional Counterterrorism Center (SEARCCT) at which the U.S. is a leading training partner. The U.S. is Malaysia's principal export destination and its largest source of foreign direct investment. As the United States' 10th largest two-way trading partner, Malaysia is an important market for U.S. goods and services.
From its strategic position along the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, Malaysia devotes considerable resources to maintaining safe and free shipping lanes for commercial and military vessels. In FY 2007, the United States will work to further enhance U.S.-Malaysian cooperation on maritime security, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. Malaysia currently serves as the Chair of the Standing Committee of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia is an influential voice on Islamic issues and is currently the Chair of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Malaysia also is the current chair of the Nonaligned Movement (NAM). Malaysia is playing a positive role in the peace process in the southern Philippines by facilitating talks between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and has provided personnel to the International Monitoring Mission in Aceh.
International Military Education and Training (IMET) funds for Malaysia have resulted in additional benefits, such as the formation of good working relations with the Malaysian military. The Malaysian military shares our fundamental values about the military's role in society, and military-military and civilian-military cooperation is broad, open and active. Participation in IMET is highly valued by the Malaysian military, and IMET graduates continue to advance steadily. Malaysia' Chief of Defense Forces, Chief of Air Force and Chief of Navy are all IMET graduates. Exposure to U.S. ideals promotes respect for human rights throughout a key branch of Malaysia's government; the Malaysian military has not been involved in systematic violations of human rights. IMET also will enhance Malaysia's ability to participate in international peacekeeping activities.
FY 2007 IMET funds will contribute significantly to regional stability by strengthening U.S - Malaysian military-to-military ties and familiarizing the Malaysian military with U.S. doctrine, equipment, and management techniques. IMET also will reinforce the Malaysian military's commitment to human rights and good civil-military relations and help expand our cooperation with Malaysian military leaders. Malaysia has been active in multinational peacekeeping operations, which necessitate training that promotes interoperability. Malaysia also is engaged in training that will improve the military's ability to combat narcotics trafficking and money laundering operations.
Commercial Defense Trade
Commercial defense trade is yet another avenue by which the U.S. Government can help friends and allies meet their legitimate defense needs, and foster regional stability, deter aggression, and promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. On the legal basis of the Arms Export Control Act, and with the overall intention of safeguarding U.S. national security and furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives, billions of dollars of defense articles and services are authorized for export around the world every year. In fiscal year 2005, the Department of State authorized the export of defense articles and services valued at $230,278,511 for Malaysia.
To access the full report from which the figures were taken, and to learn more about the offices that implement the regulations pertaining to commercial defense trade, please visit the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
http://www.state.gov/t/pm/64881.htm
