KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to uphold its neutrality in international defence relations despite conducting military exercises with the United States and Australia under Exercise Keris Strike 25 (KrS25) and Warrior 25, says Adly Zahari.
The Deputy Defence Minister told Parliament that the principle of neutrality remains the cornerstone of the country’s defence policy.
He added that Malaysia also conducts military exercises with China and its Asean partners to strengthen operational capabilities and regional relations.
"At the same time, we also have training with China, as well as with Asean. That is why we use and leverage these exercises as part of our bilateral and multilateral exercises," he said in reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (IND-Tanjong Karang) during Question Time.
Zulkafperi had asked the ministry to what extent such military exercises, including those under KrS25 and Warrior 25, were in line with the country's principle of neutrality.
Adly said the two exercises, which include the participation of the US and Australia, demonstrate the country's commitment to strengthening security and joint defence readiness with its strategic partners.
He also listed several benefits of joint military exercises, including enhancing operability, operational capability and combat readiness.
"These joint exercises provide the armed forces the opportunity to enhance operability with foreign military units through mastery of international standard tactics, techniques and procedures," he added.
Adly said the armed forces leverage on these exercises to enhance the skills of personnel through knowledge and expertise transfer, as well as exposure to military technology, equipment and doctrines.
"Such experiences form the foundation for the strengthening of the country's defence transformation to remain relevant against contemporary threats," said the deputy minister.
