KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s defence assets should not pose a problem in the future if procurement plans proceed as scheduled, the Dewan Rakyat heard.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said acquisitions such as the Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) and FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea were progressing according to schedule under the government’s defence procurement plans.
“If we maintain this process, I believe our assets will not be a problem in the future,” he said during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 26).
Adly was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah), who raised concerns over ageing military assets, particularly those belonging to the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Ikmal also asked how the Defence Ministry would maintain the Malaysian Armed Forces’ readiness, combat capabilities and doctrinal preparedness amid regional security threats, despite the country’s reduced direct involvement in international conflict zones.
Adly said the government had established long-term defence plans through the Defence White Paper, which was reviewed every five years to address evolving security challenges.
He said the plans covered asset procurement, defence capabilities and the development of the country’s cyber defence capabilities.
Adly said the Defence White Paper was revised last year to reflect emerging security challenges.
“When it comes to planning our national defence, ensuring security and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, we have anticipated the challenges we may face, both regionally and globally.
“When the Defence White Paper was first drawn up, cyber defence and our involvement in this new domain were not discussed as extensively.
“We have now incorporated these aspects into the revised document,” he said.
He added that the country had defence plans in place extending to 2050.
“Whether we are looking at the maritime, land or air domains, plans are already in place for asset procurement and defence capabilities, including the development of our cyber defence capabilities.
“To ensure that our national defence remains strong in safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty, we will do our utmost to implement these plans,” he said.
In a separate development, Adly said Malaysia was strengthening maritime patrols and intelligence-sharing with neighbouring countries to ensure the Strait of Malacca remained safe and open amid evolving global security threats.
He said Malaysia continued to monitor security developments along strategic maritime routes worldwide, including the Strait of Hormuz, while recognising that the Strait of Malacca had its own security considerations due to close cooperation among its littoral states.
The Strait of Malacca is a key international shipping route, making its security important to Malaysia and regional trade.
