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 ministry, the Rembau MP said the strategic plan with seven main thrusts for the ministry and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is being implemented.
“The White Paper consists of committees led by ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abd Aziz and MAF chief Tan Sri General 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 said after clocking in at Wisma Pertahanan here yesterday.
At the same time, Mohamad, popularly known as Tok Mat, said commitment and efforts to implement the defence and security industry policy (DIPKN) will be continued.
“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, adding that developing the policy is a collaboration between the Defence Ministry, the Home Ministry and relevant agencies.
“I am committed to ensuring the policy can be realised and placed on the right platform to ensure all objectives can be achieved,” he said.
Mohamad said he will serve together with all of those in the ministry and MAF to ensure the nation’s security, defence and the sovereignty are safeguarded.
“We will also ensure military assets are strengthened for optimum defence preparedness,” 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 and will be heard.”
On another matter, Mohamad said the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) issue will be deliberated soon.
“Let me sit in the office first before making any move so that we can examine the matter,” he said.
