Greater coordination needed to face global security threats: Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the defence and security agencies in the ASEAN region and beyond should have greater coordination and integration in order to face global security challenges and threats.
He said that as terrorism and violence are shaping current global policies, all countries must be well-prepared for the challenges of terror outfits like Daesh and Al-Qaeda.
"We are living in a time when terror outfits like Daesh and Al-Qaeda employ extremism and terror tactics to spread their influence. Living in such an unpredictable security environment, we must be well-prepared for the security challenges.
"Malaysia has always upheld the importance of the respective member countries working together in defence among other areas for the greater good of the region," he said when opening the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NATSEC) Exhibition and Conference 2018 here today.
He said, in today's climate, it is crucial for the military and civilian forces of all countries to work closely with each other to be effective in combating external threats.
Speaking before delegations from 60 countries, Ahmad Zahid said the DSA series has always recognised the need for greater cooperation between defence units in the region and it would continue to gain strong support from the international defence community.
He said the event was not only more than just a showcase of latest technologies and weaponry but continues to bring together various government policymakers, military agencies and defence mechanisms from across the region.
It encourages greater alliance and trust between parties and is a crucial platform to promote foreign technology partnerships, he said.
"The DSA series has not only brought about great impact in terms of technological and technical knowledge transfer but also access to the world's leading decision makers and experts in defence.
"Today DSA is regarded as one of the Top Five Defence Shows in the World. It is indeed a crucial platform in supporting the region's aspirations for sustainable peacekeeping operations," he said.
DSA which is considered Asia's largest and most highly-anticipated defence and security exhibition will start tomorrow till Thursday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), here and is set to position Malaysia as a regional leader in the defence and security sector.
The 16th installation of DSA also will see the launch of the first National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia) 2018, the brand new international exhibition on National Security for Asia that will focus on all national security sectors including public safety. — Bernama