Defence white paper mid-term review to be presented to select committee soon, says Mohamed Khaled
The review, previously tabled in the Cabinet on June 25, focuses on enhancing Malaysia's self-defence capabilities.
"The ministry firmly believes that self-reliant defence capability is the cornerstone of national sovereignty, security, and freedom, especially in the face of an increasingly challenging geopolitical landscape," Mohamed Khaled stated in Parliament on Monday (July 21).
Responding to a query from Kamal Ashaari (PN- Kuala Krau) regarding the government's efforts in developing self-defence capabilities, Mohamed Khaled outlined the ministry's strategy, which includes developing technology, weapon systems, maintenance infrastructure, and strengthening local human capital. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on foreign powers and improve responses to threats.
Key initiatives include empowering the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (Stride) as a centre of excellence in Southeast Asia and restructuring the Malaysian Industry Council for Defence Enforcement & Security (MIDES) into the Defence Industry Strategic Council to enhance governance.
The ministry is also developing a comprehensive policy for the defence sector's Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) and establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) to strengthen industrial development linkages within the local defence ecosystem.
To further boost self-reliance and innovation in defence technology, the ministry is finalising the National Defence Industry Policy, set to be presented to the Cabinet in August.
Mohamed Khaled added that the government is considering research and development collaborations with partner countries, such as Turkiye, in the defence sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
an hour ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Palestine: Malaysia supports Hague Group's efforts, but uneasy with preconditions — Mohamad
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia supports The Hague Group's efforts to find a long-term resolution to the conflict in Gaza, but takes a cautious stance on the preconditions and content of the New York Declaration being debated at the international level, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (picture). He said Malaysia supports initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace for the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state. However, he stressed that the country will not support any initiative that contradicts its foreign policy principles. 'We support The Hague Group in calling for an end to this (Israel's atrocity) … but Malaysia is cautious in this effort because there are preconditions that we are uncomfortable with, making it difficult for us to endorse the outcome document issued by those countries. 'We agree with the main goal – the urgent establishment of an independent Palestinian state – but we are uneasy with the preconditions set, as many of them are not in line with Malaysia's foreign policy,' he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) on the steps Malaysia is taking to urge the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), to stop the ongoing attacks by the Zionist regime on Gaza. The Hague Group is a coalition of countries committed to championing justice and the rights of the Palestinian people at international platforms, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Mohamad said Malaysia is a co-sponsor of the group and had participated in a meeting in the second week of last month in Bogotá, Colombia, which served as a platform to discuss the Palestinian issue and seek an urgent resolution. He said Malaysia remains committed to voicing its position alongside like-minded countries in urging for a permanent ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors into Gaza, which is facing a famine due to prolonged Zionist blockades. He said the Zionist regime is now using food supply restrictions as a weapon of war, a move he described as extremely cruel. '… their food supply has been cut off at the borders of Jordan and Egypt, not a single lorry is allowed through. For four and a half months, the Palestinian people have been starving and many have died. Israel is using food as a weapon of war — this has been condemned by the international community, Malaysia and like-minded countries,' he said. Mohamad also stressed that Malaysia will continue to press for and express unwavering support for Palestinian freedom and the establishment of an independent state, despite discomfort from certain quarters. He said Malaysia's efforts are supported by like-minded countries to ensure that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state becomes a reality and that Palestinians are given the right to govern their own country. 'Malaysia will not stop. We will continue to speak out, even if many are uncomfortable with Malaysia's position now. Malaysia will continue to raise its voice and bring its stance to the international stage,' he said. — BERNAMA
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Ops Gasak 2025 records 168 LPG subsidy misuse cases
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 168 cases involving the misuse of subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were recorded under Ops Gasak 2025 with seized items valued at RM5.2mil, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the seizures were made between May 1 and July 27 this year and involved subsidised LPG and related goods as part of the government's ongoing crackdown on subsidy abuse in the LPG distribution chain. He added that LPG is classified as a Scheduled Controlled Item under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122), and its supply has been under the ministry's oversight since October 15, 2021. "The listing of LPG as a scheduled item was aimed at ensuring a stable supply in the market," he said in a written parliamentary reply to Khoo Poay Tiong (Pakatan–Kota Melaka), who had asked about the outcomes of Ops Gasak and the number of enforcement cases recorded. Launched on May 1, Ops Gasak 2025 is specifically designed to curb the illegal transfer—or decanting—of subsidised LPG into industrial or commercial cylinders, which is among the most serious forms of subsidy misuse. Armizan explained that enforcement and inspection efforts have been stepped up across industries dealing in LPG to ensure compliance with existing laws. In response to eligibility for permits to use over 42kg of LPG, Armizan said all businesses using scheduled controlled items may apply for a permit via the BLESS 2.0 system. "Applications will be assessed based on the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021, alongside other conditions, guidelines, and applicable legal frameworks," he said. He also noted that following a Cabinet decision on June 5, 2025, the ministry is now engaging stakeholders on proposed amendments to the Supply Control Regulations to further strengthen enforcement mechanisms and regulatory clarity.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Aidilfitri Madani events cost RM10mil
THE Federal Government spent over RM10mil each in 2024 and 2025 on Hari Raya Aidilfitri Madani celebrations held across seven states. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) said the celebrations last year cost RM10,050,196.66 in total – averaging RM1.43mil per state – while this year's events amounted to RM10,928,222.53, or roughly RM1.56mil per location. The Aidilfitri events have been held on a broader scale nationwide since 2023, compared with the 2022 open house which was limited to the Klang Valley and incurred a higher cost of RM11mil, he said. Fadillah said no financial contributions were received from the private sector or government-linked companies for the 2024 and 2025 celebrations, adding that all expenses were fully borne by the Federal Government as part of its social investment under the Malaysia Madani framework. 'These programmes aim to strengthen ties between the government and the people and to foster a spirit of unity and inclusiveness,' he said in a written reply to Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN–Kuala Krai), who wanted a breakdown of expenses for the Aidilfitri events. Fadillah explained that the events served not only as festive gatherings but also as platforms to promote national unity, harmony and cross-cultural understanding. As large-scale events held across multiple states, the celebrations required spending on logistics, open-access public feasts and promotional activities to encourage widespread community participation. 'All expenditure was managed prudently and transparently in line with existing financial procedures,' he added.
