KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a new synergy between the Defence Ministry and industry players to ensure that the country’s defence research and development ecosystem keeps pace with technological advancements.
He said he conveyed this request during an engagement session with the top management of the Defence Ministry and armed forces at the Subang Air Base yesterday.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said he also received updates on the country’s defence readiness during the session.
“The leadership and management must prioritise key aspects such as the status of defence assets, training, welfare, cooperation and unity among all parties, while also identifying issues that require comprehensive solutions,” he said.
Following the session, he met with pilots involved in various national and international events, including the National Day celebrations and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima).
“Their ability to operate aircraft with such skill and confidence demonstrates the capability of our local talent in handling advanced and modern aircraft, ensuring the highest level of national defence readiness,” he said.
Anwar also engaged with Defence Ministry personnel in conjunction with the Ihya’ Ramadan Programme at the Subang Air Base.
During the programme, Anwar joined more than 700 personnel for Friday prayers at the Al-Muhajirin Mosque and listened to a sermon delivered by Armed Forces Religious Corps director-general Mejar-Jen Datuk Mohd Rashidi Bujai, before distributing bubur lambuk to the personnel.
The Defence Ministry organised the programme in collaboration with the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit and the Prime Minister’s Department.
Earlier, Anwar, who arrived at 11.55am, held a meeting with the top management of the Defence Ministry, discussing governance enhancement, reform initiatives and achievements.
In the Bernama report, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali were also present.
Chief of Defence Force Jen Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Chief of Army Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Chief of Air Force Jen Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan and Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain also attended the meeting.
After the meeting, Anwar took time to meet with six Royal Malaysian Air Force pilots involved in the flypast during the 67th National Day celebration.
