THE EVOLUTION OF MALAYSIAN DEFENSE POLICY IN THE ERA TUN MAHATHIR MOHAMAD 1981-2003

s: The National Defense Policy reflects the desire of every country to defend its strategic interests and to preserve national security. It is a manifestation of the goal of protecting the security and strategic interests of a country. In the Malaysian context, the three main thrusts are the thrusts of the Malaysian Defense Policy namely the national strategic importance, defense principles, and defense concepts. There were three major changes in the Malaysian Defense Policy that began with the era of Tunku Abdul Rahman (1957-1970), Tun Razak / Tun Hussein Onn (19701980) and Tun Mahathir era (1981-2003). The Tunku Abdul Rahman era 1957 until 1970 was prowestern (dependency). During the reign of Tun Razak from 1970 to 1976 and Tun Hussin Onn from 1976 to 1980, the defense policy changed to Neutrality (neutrality). In contrast to the Mahathir era administration, his defense base tends to form self-reliance. The change of Mahathir's defense policy can be seen in the Procurement of his weaponry that has affected Malaysia as a developing country that is so vocal and bold to speak. In the international ring, his voice is so echoed to voice the aspirations of the Third World and the commitment shown above the other leaders. Self-reliance under Tun Mahathir's administration made Malaysia's defense aspect more modern until Tun Mahathir became references and attention throughout the world, especially the Third World.