National security is the primary aspect that has been given serious emphasis, not only in Malaysia but around the world. Nowadays, countries need to constantly prepare not only from common threats such as war and rebellion but also uncommon threats such as contagious disease or epidemics, flood, climate change,cyber threats and others.

In other words, any form of threat, whether internal or external is capable to threaten national security if it is not dealt with prudently. Taking this into account, the National Security Policy (DKN) 2021-2025 was developed based on “comprehensive security” or more synonymous with the abbreviation “COMSEC”. In this policy, “COMSEC” is supported by nine core values that are:

1) Sovereignty and territorial integrity
2) Socio -political stability
3) National unity
4) Governance / Good governance
5) Economic integrity
6) Social justice
7) Sustainable development
8) People's safety
9) International recognition

In implementing DKN 2021-2025, the National Security Council (NSC) aims to develop National Security Index (NSIC) as a comprehensive measurement unit on the level of national security.

In this context, NSIC has been developed via collaborative research synergy between MKN and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM). Through two phases of data collection, in 2022 and 2023 , NSIC has been developed to include 73 indicators with 230 weights that involves the nine core values of national security.

The development of NSIC involved extensive data collection and engaged the highest leadership of the national administration, policymakers, implementers, enforcers, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and the Malaysian community

Comprehensively, this research approach involving many parties provided great input in developing the NSIC .
The development of indicators was presented to experts from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in Sydney, Australia, who are responsible for creating the Global Peace Index.

From the result of the discussion, NSIC has been recognized by the IEP for its in-depth analysis. Consequently, the IEP has expressed interest in collaborating in the future to explore research initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and security in Malaysia.

The NSIC will receive an award of “The Malaysia Book of Records” (MBOR) as the first ever comprehensive National Security Index . One of the uniqueness of NSIC is an indicator development following the form of national administration, through the collaboration of 37 agencies leaders and integrating existing indices in the country.

The NSIC is capable of being compared indirectly with indices in the international level .The NSIC measurement usually will be made as a primary reference based on evidence in strategic development to strengthen the country's security overall. The trend of the country's security level according to core values is also capable of being an indicator for threat prediction in future.

Through NSIC, the country has achieved a comprehensive security measurement involving collaboration among various agencies, employing a "whole of government" approach. This initiative supports the country's strategic direction, emphasizing the commitment of all parties to develop a cohesive MADANI nation.

By
Prof. Dr. Yarina Ahmad
Chief Researcher of the Study
National Security Index (IKK)

This article is translated from the original Malay article.