Military Spending or Socio-Economy Development?

Military spending or socio-economy development? Which one will be given priority. I raised this question to some known person as I wanted to known whether they consider national security on broader picture.

Well, majority of them said priority will be given on socio-economy development rather than on military investment. As my question was subjective, there is no right or wrong answer. So, whatever their views is acceptable, after all under this new government, we must agree to disagree. 

However, looking at broader picture, socio-economy development is not only chapter of national security. National security involve every single pieces from education to military assets.

We are part of the United Nations. We have 17 Sustainable Development Goals to achieve by 2030. The 17 are poverty; no hunger; health and well-being; education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institution; and partnerships for the goals. 

To achieve SDG2030, we need to focus more on socio-economy development. Our yearly budget need to be focused in development chapter rather than operational cost.

Nevertheless, we should not ignore on military spending, as the minimal force requirement is part and parcel of our national defence policy. As the threat is on our water, we need to strengthen our capability in navy and as a backup, our air-force need more sophisticated fighter birds. Our men in green, need more training so that they can play their role in any dimension, land, water and air as well as urban warfare.