The Security “Gap” in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Events during the last twelve months since November 1974 have, if anything, convinced even most sceptics of the undeniable seriousness of the security situation in Peninsular Malaysia. Burgeoning, as it has, in the wake of the historic victories of the communist forces of Vietnam and Cambodia, the terrorist activities of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) and the rising toll of security forces personnel have indeed created a sense of concerned anticipation among outside observers. It is, of course, only too tempting to become somewhat alarmed about the developments in Malaysia in view of the disappointingly phlegmatic reaction of the other Southeast Asian states to the communist takeover of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and, for the prophets of doom, the equally disheartening way in which the much acclaimed domino theory appears to be fizzling out. Moreover, the grim forebodings of some Malaysia-watchers ever since the tragic days of May 1969 might understandably find a new lease of life with the revival of the undisguised racial connotations of the CPM's terrorist and propaganda campaign against the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front) Government of Tun Abdul Razak.