Latest news with #60thAnniversaryParade
The Star
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Scrap the Black Hawk plans, King tells Mindef
Regal presence: Sultan Ibrahim inspecting the guard of honour during the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas at Kem Iskandar. — Bernama MERSING: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has told the Defence Ministry not to repeat mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft with questionable safety. His Majesty said the experience in purchasing used A-4 Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson. 'Do not repeat the past mistakes, like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks ... are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? 'I believe all this happened because the Defence Ministry is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, with even textile traders trying to sell drones,' said Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar here yesterday. Also present were the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim. The Bernama report also stated that Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, were in attendance as well. The parade featured five detachments comprising 18 officers and 173 personnel from the 11th Special Service Regiment, the 21st Commando Regiment, the 22nd Commando Regiment, the Combined Unit and the Army Special Warfare Training Centre. Since its formation in 1965, the regiment has evolved from a small unit into a modern special forces outfit. Developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now part of Boeing), the Skyhawk was closely associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which acquired 80 units from the United States in 1982 at US$1mil each, before retiring the fleet due to high accident rates. In the same vein, Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas, also advised the Defence Minister to cancel the proposed acquisition of refurbished Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, out of concern the same mistake would be repeated. The King emphasised that all parties involved in procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently and based on actual need, and not merely on the recommendation of agents or vested interests. 'Do not waste time buying nonsense that does not fit the needs of the military. If you don't know the price, ask me first. 'Five years ago, I pointed out the purchase of rigid raiding craft for the commandos at RM5mil, when I could have sourced a better boat for under RM2mil. 'Recently, I heard there was a proposal to buy a similar boat but in a larger size, at nearly RM10mil. 'This makes no sense and must be carefully reviewed,' Sultan Ibrahim said, adding that if procurement is done at 'middlemen prices', then no government allocation will ever be enough. 'Therefore, do not try to fool me. If you do not want to heed my advice, I will not speak up again,' said His Majesty. Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Khaled said his ministry will continue to prioritise the readiness of the armed forces in line with His Majesty's exhortation, with moves such as modernising defence assets, including those used by RGK. 'To all members and veterans of the regiment, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on its 60th anniversary,' he said.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Warning against buying aged military assets
PETALING JAYA: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to the Defence Ministry not to repeat past mistakes in procuring used military assets that may compromise the safety of military personnel. Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas at Kem Iskandar in Mersing yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim cited the country's purchase of second-hand A-4 Skyhawk jets from the United States in the 1980s, which were eventually retired due to a high accident rate. 'Don't make the same mistake. Are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves.' The King urged Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin to cancel a proposed procurement of more than 30-year-old Black Hawk helicopters, warning that decisions based on the influence of agents or vested interests could endanger lives and waste public funds. 'I believe this keeps happening because the ministry is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, even textile traders trying to sell drones.' The Royal Malaysian Air Force had acquired 80 units of the A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million each. His Majesty emphasised the need for transparency and cost-efficiency in all defence acquisitions, while calling out past purchases made at inflated prices. He cited the example of a rigid raiding craft bought for RM5 million, saying a better vessel could have been sourced for under RM2 million. 'Do not waste money on items that don't meet military needs. If you don't know the market price, ask me.' The King also criticised the delay in completing Rejimen Gerak Khas' combat diving pool and urged the government to prioritise operational readiness with appropriate and timely equipment upgrades.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
King warns Mindef against buying 'flying coffins'
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas speaking at the at 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, here. – Bernama photo MERSING (Aug 16): His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today issued a stern reminder to the Ministry of Defence not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft that could endanger the lives of pilots and military personnel. His Majesty said the nation's experience in purchasing second-hand Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson, as the planes could not be fully utilised. 'Do not repeat the past mistake like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks… are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves. 'I believe all this happens because the Ministry of Defence is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, and even textile traders trying to sell drones,' said Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, here. Also present were the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also in attendance. The A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), was closely associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which acquired 80 units from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million each, before retiring the fleet due to a high accident rate. Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK), further advised the Defence Minister to cancel the proposed purchase of Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, out of concern that the same mistake would be repeated. The monarch emphasised that all parties involved in military procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently, based on market prices and the actual needs of the armed forces, and not merely on the recommendations of agents or vested interests. 'Do not waste time buying nonsense that does not fit the needs of the military. If you don't know the price, ask me first. 'Five years ago, I pointed out the purchase of rigid raiding craft for the commandos at RM5 million, when I could have sourced a better boat for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I heard there was a proposal to buy a similar boat but in a larger size, at nearly RM10 million. This makes no sense and must be carefully reviewed,' Sultan Ibrahim said. His Majesty stressed that if all asset purchases are made at inflated 'middleman' prices, then government allocations will never be sufficient. 'Therefore, do not try to fool me. If you do not want to heed my advice, I will not speak up again,' His Majesty said. In addition to highlighting the need for price transparency, Sultan Ibrahim also criticised the delay in the combat diving pool project at RGK Camp, which was supposed to be completed in 2022 but is still not operational. At the same time, His Majesty urged the government to prioritise the acquisition of new equipment to ensure RGK's readiness remains at the highest level, enabling swift response to any threat. The parade was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the RGK's establishment and to honour the services and sacrifices of this elite unit's warriors in defending the nation's sovereignty. – Bernama military assets Ministry of Defence Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
King warns MINDEF against buying ‘flying coffins'
MERSING: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today issued a stern reminder to the Ministry of Defence not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft that could endanger the lives of pilots and military personnel. His Majesty said the nation's experience in purchasing second-hand Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson, as the planes could not be fully utilised. 'Do not repeat the past mistake like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks... are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves. 'I believe all this happens because the Ministry of Defence is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, and even textile traders trying to sell drones,' said Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, here. Also present were the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also in attendance. MERSING, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today issued a stern reminder to the Ministry of Defence not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft that could endanger the lives of pilots and military personnel. His Majesty said the nation's experience in purchasing second-hand Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson, as the planes could not be fully utilised. 'Do not repeat the past mistake like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks... are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves. 'I believe all this happens because the Ministry of Defence is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, and even textile traders trying to sell drones,' said Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, here. Also present were the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also in attendance. The A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), was closely associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which acquired 80 units from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million each, before retiring the fleet due to a high accident rate. Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK), further advised the Defence Minister to cancel the proposed purchase of Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, out of concern that the same mistake would be repeated. The monarch emphasised that all parties involved in military procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently, based on market prices and the actual needs of the armed forces, and not merely on the recommendations of agents or vested interests. 'Do not waste time buying nonsense that does not fit the needs of the military. If you don't know the price, ask me first. 'Five years ago, I pointed out the purchase of rigid raiding craft for the commandos at RM5 million, when I could have sourced a better boat for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I heard there was a proposal to buy a similar boat but in a larger size, at nearly RM10 million. This makes no sense and must be carefully reviewed,' Sultan Ibrahim said. His Majesty stressed that if all asset purchases are made at inflated 'middleman' prices, then government allocations will never be sufficient. 'Therefore, do not try to fool me. If you do not want to heed my advice, I will not speak up again,' His Majesty said. In addition to highlighting the need for price transparency, Sultan Ibrahim also criticised the delay in the combat diving pool project at RGK Camp, which was supposed to be completed in 2022 but is still not operational. At the same time, His Majesty urged the government to prioritise the acquisition of new equipment to ensure RGK's readiness remains at the highest level, enabling swift response to any threat. The parade was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the RGK's establishment and to honour the services and sacrifices of this elite unit's warriors in defending the nation's sovereignty. The A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), was closely associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which acquired 80 units from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million each, before retiring the fleet due to a high accident rate. Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK), further advised the Defence Minister to cancel the proposed purchase of Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, out of concern that the same mistake would be repeated. The monarch emphasised that all parties involved in military procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently, based on market prices and the actual needs of the armed forces, and not merely on the recommendations of agents or vested interests. 'Do not waste time buying nonsense that does not fit the needs of the military. If you don't know the price, ask me first. 'Five years ago, I pointed out the purchase of rigid raiding craft for the commandos at RM5 million, when I could have sourced a better boat for under RM2 million. 'Recently, I heard there was a proposal to buy a similar boat but in a larger size, at nearly RM10 million. This makes no sense and must be carefully reviewed,' Sultan Ibrahim said. His Majesty stressed that if all asset purchases are made at inflated 'middleman' prices, then government allocations will never be sufficient. 'Therefore, do not try to fool me. If you do not want to heed my advice, I will not speak up again,' His Majesty said. In addition to highlighting the need for price transparency, Sultan Ibrahim also criticised the delay in the combat diving pool project at RGK Camp, which was supposed to be completed in 2022 but is still not operational. At the same time, His Majesty urged the government to prioritise the acquisition of new equipment to ensure RGK's readiness remains at the highest level, enabling swift response to any threat. The parade was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the RGK's establishment and to honour the services and sacrifices of this elite unit's warriors in defending the nation's sovereignty. - Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
King Warns MINDEF Against Buying 'Flying Coffins'
GENERAL His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, Mersing today. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, Mersing today. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, Mersing today. MERSING, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today issued a stern reminder to the Ministry of Defence not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft that could endanger the lives of pilots and military personnel. His Majesty said the nation's experience in purchasing second-hand Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson, as the planes could not be fully utilised. 'Do not repeat the past mistake like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks… are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves. 'I believe all this happens because the Ministry of Defence is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, and even textile traders trying to sell drones,' said Sultan Ibrahim at the 60th Anniversary Parade of Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK) at Kem Iskandar, here. Also present were the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan were also in attendance. The A-4 Skyhawk, developed by McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing), was closely associated with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which acquired 80 units from the United States in 1982 at US$1 million each, before retiring the fleet due to a high accident rate. Sultan Ibrahim, who is also Colonel Commandant of Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK), further advised the Defence Minister to cancel the proposed purchase of Black Hawk helicopters that are over 30 years old, out of concern that the same mistake would be repeated. The monarch emphasised that all parties involved in military procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently, based on market prices and the actual needs of the armed forces, and not merely on the recommendations of agents or vested interests.
