Weapons Proliferation in Asia
Any reassessment of the changing Asian security environment must allow considerable space for the large, unresolved issues of earlier years. Despite the rush of new issues onto the Asian security agenda, at the core of many regional security problems still lies a continuing worry about an old issue: Weapons proliferation. Indeed, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) now appears more worrying than before, precisely because of the change in the nature of war-making units that the events of September 11 have advertised, and the new determination in Washington to act forcefully, and if necessary pre-emptively, to prevent terrorists from acquiring such weapons. Further, WMD remain a major concern of analysts studying the traditional state-centric balance of power in the region. Such concerns are replicated, albeit at a lower level, in relation to the steady accumulation and qualitative improvement of conventional forces in the region. In short, the Asia-Pacific remains an area where regional institutionalization is under-developed, cross-border tensions are comparatively high, weapons capabilities are increasing, and the complex
Malaysia and the issue of human trafficking: Root causes, securitisation and responses / Sheila Devi Michael
Human trafficking is a grave transnational organised crime which has been outstandingly on 
the rise for the past two decades. With increasing global and security concern, human 
trafficking has stirred up many actors at international as well as at state level to play vital 
role in curbing this crime. The research on the events of human trafficking in Malaysia 
through the efforts to combat this crime in the country by state and non-state actors is 
significant for national interest, to protect the sovereignty of the country and the human 
rights of the people who fall easily as victims into the hands of ruthless traffickers. Malaysia 
is identified as a country of origin besides a lucrative destination and transit point for 
traffickers to transport their victims. Concurrently, internal trafficking also occurs in 
Malaysia. Human trafficking is reported to be the second profitable business after drug 
cartel. It is an illicit clandestine movement and the nature of this crime imposes numerous 
security challenges to a state and its people. The security of the people is poignant and 
human security is the vital core of humanity by enhancing human freedom and human 
fulfilment. Human trafficking violates the freedom of a person and it is against human rights. 
The essential question is if the Malaysian government doing enough in curbing human 
trafficking in the country? The Malaysian government in collaboration with its agencies 
have responded by outlining a National Action Plan against Trafficking in Persons (2010- 
2015) as a preventive measure. With numerous efforts to combat human trafficking, 
perpetrators are still motivated by the high profits from this lucrative business of trafficking 
people. The push and pull factors are determinants for such an illegal activity to operate in 
Malaysia and globally. People become a prey easily due to circumstances and many are 
trafficked without their knowledge as human trafficking has many forms and the modus 
operandi vary from countries and destinations. Subsequently, it has negative impact on the 
socio-economics and politics of a country. Therefore, creating awareness through education 
system, media and social networks may prevent men, women and children from involving in 
situations that may lead to human trafficking and eventually becoming a victim.
Annual Report to the President and the Congress.
Abstract : Partial Contents: Defense Policy: National Security Concerns and Defense Policy Priorities, Collective Security; Defense Resources: Budget, Strengthening Defense Management, Personnel (Manpower and Health), Industrial Base, Environment; Defense Components: Nuclear Forces and Strategic Defense, Land Forces, Naval Forces, Tactical Air Forces, Space Forces, Mobility Forces, Special Operations Forces, Counterdrug Forces, Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation.