56 AIR POWER 2017 21 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS21 ST CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS
Following the successful
conclusion of Exercise
Bersama Lima 16, in which
the Royal Air Force (RAF)
made such a significant
contribution with Typhoon
multi-role jets, the Chief
of the Royal Malaysian
Air Force reflects on the
importance of the RAF’s
continued influence in
this part of the world
After more than 45 years, the Five
Powers Defence Arrangements (FPDA)
is currently among the longest-standing
military partnership programmes
in the world. Although not a formal
alliance, the FPDA contributed greatly
to thwarting communist ambitions
in the region – and, in particular,
from the communist terrorists in
Malaysia – during the Cold War
era, and has been a stabilising
influence in more recent times.
I sincerely believe that the FPDA will
continue to be relevant as a part of the
regional security architecture in South-
East Asia. From its humble beginnings
45 years ago, the FPDA has grown to be
recognised as a complementary security
architecture as it also operates on principles
that are very familiar to ASEAN (Association
of Southeast Asian Nations) members.
concepts that have built confidence,
developed professional military skills
and contributed to developing military-
to-military relations among the FPDA
members. FPDA members were able
to tap the experience and draw on the
expertise of the UK, as well as from
each other, to prove their operational
capabilities. The UK remains an important
partner member of the FPDA with the
capabilities it can provide and being one
of the recognised global major powers,
as well as having a permanent seat at
the United Nations Security Council.
But more important is the question of
what significance the FPDA entails for the
UK. As South-East Asia is now becoming
the world economic engine, it is important
for the UK to remain actively engaged
within this region. Being a member of the
FPDA gives the UK a legitimate reason
for positive engagement, thus enabling a
stake in ensuring the continued stability
and prosperity within South-East Asia.
Therefore, in my opinion, the UK-FPDA
relationship is truly a symbiotic one,
as positive engagements by one part
strengthen the other, and vice versa.Decision-making is consensual, gradual
and pragmatically orientated. Despite its
initial setup to address traditional security
issues for Malaysia and Singapore, the
FPDA is now increasing its relevance
by looking at non-traditional threats as
well. As a part of this larger scope, the
FPDA is also looking at the importance
of confidence-building measures among
the non-FPDA regional neighbours.
Personally, I recognise the importance
of this aspect and fully support the idea of
non-FPDA regional neighbours being
invited as observers to exchange ideas and
share information on the planning and
conduct of FPDA activities and exercises.COOPERATION IN DEFENCE
Within the current context, the FPDA has
the potential in future to evolve into an
institution that is capable of influencing
constructively the regional security
architecture and defence cooperation in
South-East Asia. Indeed, in the complex
and uncertain security environment of the
region, the flexibility and adaptability that
the FPDA has consistently demonstrated
thus far gives a clear indication of its
strong resolve. I envision that the FPDA
will continue in the future to play a pivotal
role in the regional security and stability of
South-East Asia following the principles that
were formulated at its inception in 1971.
The UK was not just an important
driver in the establishment of the FPDA,
but was also instrumental in safeguarding
Malaysia’s interests during our formative
years. The UK has provided the necessaryGENERAL DATO’ SRI HJ AFFENDI
BIN BUANG
Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force
The Five Powers Defence Arrangements
will continue to be relevant as a part of
the regional security architecture