INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE QUESTION OF STATE SECURITY : THE MALAYSIA EXPERIENCE

Abstract

In the modern age, the increasing use and exploration of information technology and the internet by hackers has created a new security threat to the integrity and socio-political stability of the Malaysian nation. Malaysia is not only one of the most dynamic developing countries in the region, but it is also facing many border disputes and terrorism with its neighboring countries. For example, maritime and territorial disputes between Malaysia and Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, as well as sovereignty disputes with Singapore over part rocks island with Singapore. These disputes not only dragged diplomatic diplomats among the two political leaders of the country, but also involved cyber-hacking between countries. For example, cyber-attacks have taken place, when disputes over ownership of the Ambalat Block and East Ambalat Block in the Makassar Strait are at its peak between Malaysia and Indonesia. The attack has resulted in severe damage to a number of government sites owned by both countries. This paper analyzes the emerging role of information technology, the internet and hackers as a potential future security threat to the Malaysian nation and society, both international and domestic.