ASSESSING THE MALAYSIAN SITUATION AND REGULATION READINESS IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONTROVERSIAL GOVERNANCE OF LETHAL AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS (LAWS) INTERNATIONALLY

Abstract

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWS) and its integration into modern militaries has the potential to revolutionise warfare tactics, enhance military capabilities, and transform future operations. Major powers, such as the United States, China, and Russia, are actively developing LAWS capable of operating independently without human intervention. However, their deployment raises profound ethical concerns regarding accountability, human oversight, and potential violations of international humanitarian law. Although United Nations (UN) Resolution L.56 and subsequently Resolution L.77 were introduced to regulate LAWS, there is no consensus among the international community on this matter. This study aims to shed light on the governance framework of LAWS internationally, provide relevant Malaysian experts’ perspectives about this technology and weaponisation, and evaluate the country’s readiness in terms of its legislation. To obtain views on the suitability of using LAWS, this qualitative study conducted interviews with representatives from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), the Malaysia Institute of Defence and Security (MIDAS), and a representative from the private sector. Primary data were analysed through a thematic and document analysis of relevant Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and UN documents. The study found that major powers are actively integrating LAWS, either semi-autonomously or fully autonomously, into military equipment on land, air, or sea. Currently, no binding international legal instrument exists to regulate LAWS. In Malaysia, statutes such as the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958, Arms Act 1960, and Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 require urgent revision to address this controversial technology and its weaponisation. This study underscores the urgency for Malaysian policymakers to implement proactive legal reforms to prevent the unregulated deployment of LAWS, particularly by private entities. In the long run, the implication is that Malaysia needs to draft a specific law to address LAWS, as this country must be ready to address the controversies of this technology and weaponisation, since the law always has to keep pace with technological development.