KUALA LUMPUR: The mid-term review of the defence white paper is set to be presented to the Parliament Special Select Committee on Defence, announced Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The review, previously tabled in the Cabinet on June 25, focuses on enhancing Malaysia’s self-defence capabilities.
"The ministry firmly believes that self-reliant defence capability is the cornerstone of national sovereignty, security, and freedom, especially in the face of an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape," Mohamed Khaled stated in Parliament on Monday (July 21).
Responding to a query from Kamal Ashaari (PN- Kuala Krau) regarding the government's efforts in developing self-defence capabilities, Mohamed Khaled outlined the ministry's strategy, which includes developing technology, weapon systems, maintenance infrastructure, and strengthening local human capital. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on foreign powers and improve responses to threats.
Key initiatives include empowering the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (Stride) as a centre of excellence in Southeast Asia and restructuring the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence Enforcement & Security (MIDES) into the Defence Industry Strategic Council to enhance governance.
The ministry is also developing a comprehensive policy for the defence sector's Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) and establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) to strengthen industrial development linkages within the local defence ecosystem.
To further boost self-reliance and innovation in defence technology, the ministry is finalising the National Defence Industry Policy, set to be presented to the Cabinet in August.
Mohamed Khaled added that the government is considering research and development collaborations with partner countries, such as Turkiye, in the defence sector.
