Malaysia–Japan Defense Industry Collaboration Prospects: Rejuvenation of the Look East Policy (LEP)

Due to the increasing tension in global politics and economy and the consequent need for a strong base of defense, there is a requirement to reduce the technological gap in defense manufacturing between developed and developing countries through steady remedial collaboration strategies that are viable in geopolitical terms. This paper intends to shed light on this matter by synthesizing several defense sector collaborative activities that have taken place lately between Japan and Malaysia and can be well understood as an outcome of the “Look East Policy” (LEP) of Malaysia. As a conceptual study, it examines the essential motives of defense cooperation amongst Japan and Malaysia to work jointly in order to achieve stability and respectful co-existence in the Indo-Pacific zone while abiding by the principles of law. The paper also highlights the possibilities and current developments of the said collaboration by recognizing the shifting dynamics that have brought a qualitative change in the strategic partnership between Malaysia and Japan in the defense industry. This study is significant not only due to its reflection on the longstanding security relationship between Japan and Malaysia but also because these two nations share similar concerns on the defense matter for ensuring the greater welfare of citizens.