SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysian Navy has to be strengthened, especially with the increasingly tense territorial disputes in the South China Sea, says Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, or better known as Mat Sabu.
He said Malaysia has to be ready, not for war, but to protect its sovereignty.
Mat Sabu was speaking to reporters at Istana Bukit Kayangan here after an audience with Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on June 7.
Sultan Sharafuddin is also the Navy Captain-in-Chief.
Mat Sabu said the issues discussed included the vital role of the navy for the country’s defence.
“His Majesty also gave his input about how it is necessary for all our assets and equipment to always be ready,” he said.
Mat Sabu said Sultan Sharafuddin also pointed out defence procurements should be in line with the current needs of the navy.
Also present during the hour-long meeting was navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
Meanwhile, Mat Sabu said he had also emphasised the importance of protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty and the country’s peace zone during the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence summit, which was held in Singapore recently.
“We don’t want the Middle East conflict between the bigger powers to be brought here,” he added.
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