Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari confirms Malaysia’s neutral defence policy despite joint military exercises with US, Australia, China and ASEAN partners
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia maintains its neutral stance in international defence relations despite conducting military exercises with the United States and Australia.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari described neutrality as the cornerstone of the country’s defence policy during a Dewan Rakyat session.
“We also have training cooperation with China, as well as in the ASEAN context,” he said while responding to questions about Exercise Keris Strike 25 and Warrior 2025.
Adly emphasised that Malaysia leverages these exercises as part of bilateral and multilateral cooperation while maintaining its neutrality principle.
He was responding to Tanjung Karang MP Capt (Rtd) Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi’s query about trilateral exercises aligning with Malaysia’s independent Indo-Pacific policy.
The deputy minister confirmed that joint exercises demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening security and defence readiness with strategic partners.
“Exercise KrS25, participated by Australia and the US, as well as Warrior 2025, proved Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening aspects of security and defence readiness,” he said.
These multilateral exercises provide space for the Malaysian Armed Forces to strengthen interoperability with foreign military forces.
They enable mastery of international tactics, techniques and standard procedures while strengthening regional and global defence relations.
The MAF leverages these exercises to improve personnel skills through knowledge building and technology exposure.
Such experiences form the foundation for strengthening the transformation of the country’s defence against contemporary threats.
Adly confirmed Malaysia will continue expanding participation in multilateral and bilateral exercises.
The country will increase strategic information sharing and strengthen defence relations with friendly nations.
This will be achieved through memoranda of understanding, regional security forums and strategic programmes. – Bernama
