High-level meeting called to prepare Defence White Paper

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu

KUALA LUMPUR: A high-level roundtable meeting was held between several ministries to come up with a long-term comprehensive defence plan for the country.

The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, was attended by 75 people including Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

Mohamad said that the meeting was to prepare a Defence White Paper (DWP) that would embody the government's aspirations in strengthening the nation's defences as well as formulating directions and strategic priorities for the country's security.

"It will serve as a long-term blueprint in building national policy on defence and security.

"As a public document, DWP will provide insight into the Defence Ministry's role in safeguarding the country," he said to a press conference after the meeting at Wisma Perwira, Jalan Padang Tembak on Tuesday (Jan 29).

Mohamad said among the matters discussed, along with conventional defence against terrorism, were cyber security threats, acquisition of assets, and budget.

"However, the DWP is subject to revision from time to time in accordance with changes in geo-politics and other factors in the future," he said.

He added that the DWP would be presented to Parliament in July.