MINDEF will request government approval to continue key asset procurement if the current freeze impacts Malaysian Armed Forces operations and preparedness
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) will seek the government’s consideration to continue the procurement of certain assets if the current freeze affects the operations and readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that although all procurement is now frozen and subject to ministerial approval, MINDEF’s priority remains the continuity of national defence operations.
“If there is a procurement that could affect operations and readiness, we will refer the matter to the government and request that the procurement be continued,” he said after attending the National Defence Industry Policy launching by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here today.
He said the MAF is carrying out continuous operations to maintain the security of the country’s strategic waters such as the Straits of Malacca, South China Sea, Sulawesi Sea and Sulu Sea, in addition to controlling land and maritime borders with five neighbouring countries.
“MAF also has ongoing assignments in islands along the east coast of Sabah to address security threats from southern Philippines. All of these are active and ongoing operations,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled stressed that any procurement decisions would be made by prioritising current operational needs as well as national security interests.
The freeze on all procurement by MINDEF and the Home Ministry (KDN) was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week as part of a review and improvement of government procurement governance.
“MINDEF understands the government’s need for transparency and accountability, but the aspect of defence preparedness cannot be compromised. If the freeze directly affects the MAF’s capabilities, we will submit a specific application for the government’s consideration,” he said.
