DEFENCE Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has issued a stern reminder that national security must not be turned into a political weapon during the 17th Sabah state election (PRN17), warning that doing so would undermine the work of the nation’s security forces.
Speaking in Kota Kinabalu, the UMNO Vice-President said there could be “no compromise whatsoever” with anyone who attempts to sow hostility towards the Federal Government, stressing that such agitation directly hampers those tasked with safeguarding the country.
“I hope the public will not politicise matters of security. Security is extremely important — it cannot be neglected, it cannot be compromised, and it must never be used as a political tool,” he said.
“That is why, for the sake of national security, we must maintain good relations between the state and the Federation and avoid any incitement that encourages hatred towards the Federation, because that will only make our responsibilities as Federal officers safeguarding the nation far more difficult.”
Mohamed Khaled was speaking at a press conference after officiating the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Sepanggar Family Day Carnival at the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) Base Stadium in Sepanggar on Sunday.
He had earlier been asked whether security issues were likely to be weaponised throughout the campaign period following the close of nominations on Saturday.
Analysts have suggested that Barisan Nasional (BN) may face setbacks as it contests against Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), but Mohamed Khaled rejected the notion outright.
“We have no cooperation with GRS, so why should we feel at a loss? There is no cooperation whatsoever. We are a political party — we are prepared. The question should be asked of GRS,” he said.
In his address, the minister warned that unstable politics and weak governance would significantly worsen the burden on defence personnel.
“As members of the national defence community, we are a group that places the highest importance on national security.
“We do not take security lightly, and we are not a group that neglects it,” he said. “We may be the ones protecting the nation, but we also need the ecosystem around us to contribute to and reinforce security. If the surrounding environment fails to support security, the burden falls on us, and naturally we shoulder heavier responsibilities.”
He added that broader public awareness of this “security ecosystem” was vital.
“Our living environment contributes directly to the overall state of security and enables us to carry out our responsibilities effectively,” he said. - November 16, 2025
