KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is committed to ensuring the Defence White Paper is implemented as soon as possible.
In his first press conference after assuming the position, the Rembau MP said the strategic plan with seven main thrusts for the ministry and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are in the process of being implemented.
"The White Paper consists of several committees led by the ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abd Aziz and MAF chief Tan Sri Jeneral Affendi Buang as well as others.
"I see that it is being implemented well and it will be the main catalyst in the nation's military development," he told a press conference after reporting for duty at Wisma Pertahanan on Monday (Dec 5).
At the same time, Mohamad said commitment and efforts to implement the nation's defence and security industry policy (DIPKN) will be continued.
"The DIPKN is a policy framework that will determine the direction and basis for the development of the industry until 2030, as outlined in the Defence White Paper," he said.
Developing the policy is a collaboration between the Defence Ministry, the Home Ministry and other relevant agencies, he said.
"I am committed to ensuring the policy can be realised and placed on the right platform to ensure all objectives can be achieved successfully," he said.
Mohamad said he will serve together with those in the ministry and MAF to ensure the nation's security, defence and sovereignty were preserved.
"We will also ensure that military assets are strengthened so that the defence preparedness is at optimum level," he added.
Improving the welfare of the military, be it in service or veterans, would also be among his main focus, he said.
"The voice of each military personnel and veteran is important; this all will be heard through various sessions with stakeholders," he said.
