Nation stands committed to FPDA, says Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains firm in its commitment under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), despite the emergence of the newly formed three-party security pact known as Aukus, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

The Defence Minister said that Malaysia’s approach with FPDA has nothing to do with the setting up of Aukus.

“And our position will not change despite our position in FPDA which has shown that we will continue with the advantages that we have when facing the geopolitical super powers in the region especially in the South China Sea.

“We will also make sure relations that were formed under FPDA involving more than 50 years can continue to be defended,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Wong Hon Wai (PH-Bukit Bendera) during Minister’s Question Time.

Wong had asked the ministry to clarify what the link between FPDA and Aukus was since two of the former’s current members, Australia and the United Kingdom, are also part of the Aukus alliance.

Announced on Sept 15, Aukus is a trilateral security agreement involving Australia, the UK and the United States for the Indo-Pacific region. Under the pact, the US and the UK will help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Wong also asked if Malaysia was an ally member of Aukus or a subset of Aukus.

Hishammuddin said that Malaysia had made clear its views regarding Aukus previously.

“So, I would like to stress that facing geopolitical powers is something that is complex and not a simple matter.

“The advantage that we have is our relationship with 10 Asean countries, and our respective level of ties with the FPDA (members).

“Our strong bilateral ties with certain countries also puts Malaysia in a position that not only balances the major powers in the region, but at the same time, remains respected by the two polar powers in the South China Sea,” said Hishammuddin.

To the initial question, the minister said that the FPDA was established in 1971, the second oldest multilateral defence in the world involving five countries, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“The main goal behind the establishment of the FPDA is to defend the security of Malaysia and Singapore.

“Each member state is determined to consult with each other on the steps to be taken in the event of an external threat to Malaysia and Singapore,” said Hishammuddin.

Since its inception, FPDA member states have forged close military cooperation through various exercises for the purpose of enhancing the capabilities of respective countries as well as ensuring interoperability between armies of current members to face various forms of threats, he said.