6. Perceptions and Practice of Human Security in Malaysia

This chapter discusses the perceptions and understanding of human security in Malaysia. Putting a premium on the role of civil society, the authors examine threats to human security and the policies of the Malaysian government in areas such as lingering poverty, minority issues, human trafficking, suppression of the freedom of expression, and the plight of the Rohingya refugees. While civil society actors place greater emphasis on the discourse of human rights rather than human security, the government focuses more on the notion of non-traditional security and considers it as part of its comprehensive security. The authors recommend that the government should take the lead in mainstreaming human security by prioritizing policies that empower communities and further opening up spaces for civil society movements through genuine cooperation in order to better address peoples’ insecurities.