King warns against repeating past mistakes in military procurement
Published on: Sat, Aug 16, 2025
By: Malay Mail Text Size: The King arrives at the event. – Pic via Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar | Facebook KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has directed the Defence Ministry to scrap plans to acquire ageing Black Hawk helicopters, warning against repeating past procurement mistakes that could jeopardise the safety of Malaysian Armed Forces personnel. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Rejimen Gerak Khas at Kem Iskandar in Mersing, Johor today, the King, as Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, said the proposed helicopters were over 30 years old and unsuitable for service. 'Do not repeat the mistake we made when we bought second-hand SkyHawk aircraft. 'Do we want to put our pilots in a 'flying coffin'? Think about it yourselves,' Sultan Ibrahim said, according to a post on his official Facebook page. He also criticised the influence of middlemen and former generals in defence procurement. 'I believe this happens because the Defence Ministry is full of 'agents' or former generals who act as salesmen, and even some cloth-selling companies try to sell drones,' he added. Sultan Ibrahim stressed the importance of proper budgeting and warned against misleading claims in defence deals. 'If every purchase is done through middlemen, the allocated funds will never be enough. 'So do not try to mislead me. 'If you refuse to heed my advice, I will not intervene next time,' he said. The royal directive highlights the King's insistence on accountability, cost-effectiveness, and the safety of military personnel in defence procurement. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
6 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Youth development remains key focus in Sabah: CM
Published on: Sunday, August 17, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 17, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji, Shahelmey and Awang Ahmad Sah with some of the the attendees at the event. - Pic by CMD PUTATAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the State Government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of youths in Sabah. He said the development of young people has been made a key pillar of the state's Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya, recognising them not only as beneficiaries but also as agents of change. Speaking at the Anak Muda Programme at Dewan Sri Putatan today, Hajiji highlighted that from 2021 to 2025, 14 new initiatives worth RM164.14 million had been introduced, benefiting more than 210,000 students. He said the State Government had provided youth grants, skills training, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship programmes, and today presented a RM300,000 grant to youth NGOs in Putatan to further support their ideas and projects. Earlier, Hajiji also witnessed the handover of the Taman Sempelang, Sembulan Burial Ground gazette to the Sabah Islamic Religious Council and visited the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing project in Kampung Petagas together with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
KDCA urges Murut, Lundayeh communities to stay united under association
Published on: Sunday, August 17, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 17, 2025 Text Size: Suman with the Tenom KDCA communities. TENOM: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has called on the Murut, Lundayeh and other ethnic groups listed in its constitution to remain united under its umbrella, even if their names are not explicitly mentioned in the association's title. Its secretary-general, Datuk Suman Yasambun, said the association's main challenge has been ensuring members understand KDCA's purpose since its founding six decades ago. He explained that KDCA was established to unite local communities in Sabah after the state joined Malaysia, adding that cultural preservation and rights are safeguarded under the association's constitution. Speaking at the handing over of 15 appointment letters to Tenom KDCA community representatives, Suman said the association continues to focus on education, cultural preservation and community development rather than political involvement. He also emphasised KDCA's role in promoting language preservation, women's participation and wider networking opportunities, assuring the Murut and Lundayeh communities that their identities remain protected within the organisation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
Focus on community well-being, says Gagasan Rakyat amid tragedy
Published on: Sunday, August 17, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 17, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Razali speaking to reporters after the prayer session. KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) has emphasised that its priority is the well-being of the community as the state continues to reflect on the loss of Zara Qairina Mahathir. The party's secretary-general, Datuk Razali Razi, said its focus is on unity, justice and compassion for the 13-year-old's family, while electoral matters remain secondary. On Saturday, some 500 members and supporters gathered at Wisma Muis for a tahlil prayer and Yasin recitation in memory of the late teenager, who passed away earlier this month. Party president and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was represented at the event by his vice president, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd, with Hajiji sending a message encouraging continued prayers and reflection. Razali noted that the inquest into Zara's death will be central to understanding the circumstances, and stressed that support, justice and compassion for the family must guide the response of society. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
