ESSCOM, MH370 And What It Has Exposed

Both Lahad Datu and MH370 have shown that we have insufficient maritime air surveillance capability. There are plenty of options available on the market depending on scope, specs and budgets. 

That we are a peaceful nation. We are one of those countries in the world which enjoys mild weather - we rarely suffer storms, no earthquakes, violent weather and such. Politically our region is an oasis of tranquility. From Japan to Myanmar I dont think this region will see any real tensions or military threats for some time.

I dont see the Chinese presence in the South China Sea as a real military threat. Neither will the fuss over the Daiyu islands go anywhere. Those foolhardy days of Vietnam and Korea will not likely be seen again. The Far East and Africa are poised to see steady growth over the next few years.

The Sulu misbehaviour in Sabah was an aberration. At no time was our sovereignty under threat. The Sulu's raiding behaviour is not unique but it is totally misplaced. The Malay word lanun (pirate) comes from the Ianun people who are one of the subgroups among the Moro in the southern Phillipines. Piracy and coastal raiding was a way of life - up to about 150 years ago.

The kidnapping of tourists is getting to be a real problem. It can kill off tourism and development. The goose that lays the golden egg. The neglect of the Moros by the Phillipines has made them into brigands. It is not a problem that cannot be resolved peacefully. 

We need to reorganise ourselves in the Sulu and South China Seas. We share common interests with Brunei, the Phillipines and Indonesia - namely the peaceful and profitable co existence of our people. 

The idea of joint patrols, pooling resources, joint operations and coordinating intelligence gathering can be explored to the next level between Malaysia, the Phillipines, Brunei and Indonesia. Friendly neighbours have to stick together.

There are numerous oil rigs in the South China Sea. Todate all the money and training of special forces to provide security for the oil rigs has been money well spent. Perhaps there has been some overkill. Most of them are out of reach of the Sulus. There has not yet been an attack on any oil platform.

The low intensity conflict in the Southern Phillipines will continue. There will be spillovers. So our peaceful existence cannot be taken for granted anymore. We have to equip ourselves and put our boys in harms way.

ESSCOM has not got off to a great start. Since being formed after Lahad Datu there have been two more incursions by the Abu Sayaf. They have carried away foreign tourists as captives for ransom. One Taiwanese man was shot dead. That is one life too many already lost under ESSCOM's watch.

ESSCOM should be a coordinating body to make sure that naval, air and land assets are deployed effectively to thwart attacks and kidnappings. It is important at this time to make sure that the Navy, Air Force and Army are given enough equipment to carry out the job well. Plus the Police and Coast Guard as well. Knowing Malaysia, opportunists and cronies will be taking advantage of the situation to push over priced and under performing products.

Both Lahad Datu and MH370 have shown that we have insufficient maritime air surveillance capability. There are plenty of options available on the market depending on scope, specs and budgets.

Above: The C130J Sea Hercules, multi role maritime surveillance plane. Price tag : above RM200 million each. Below : The EADS Casa C295. Price tag : below RM100 million.

The built-in-India Dornier (German) 19 seater plane. Price tag RM23 million each.

Above all we need an expanded sigint and humint capacity (signals intelligence and human intelligence). Time for the SB and the DMI to learn Sulu and Tausug. We have to penetrate their villages, mosques and boats. The southern Philippines is going to be long haul.

OutSyed The Box