ANCM, AMNEX, AFR: RMN Balances Diplomacy, Military Elements And Regional Cooperation

By R. Ratcharathan

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The 19th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM), the Third ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX), and the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR) have been meticulously planned to strike a balance between diplomacy, military elements and regional cooperation.

Deputy Chairman of the ANCM Working Committee, Rear Admiral Datuk Pahlawan Mohd Fadzli Kamal Mohd Mohaldin, said the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has also undertaken detailed preparations to ensure the smooth execution of the programme, which will comprise several main segments around Penang from Aug 15 to 22.

He said the RMN has established collaborations with various government and non-government agencies at both the federal and Penang state levels to ensure systematic coordination and implementation of activities to achieve the set objectives.

“The RMN has also carried out close coordination with the Points of Contact (POC) of ASEAN member states through military diplomacy channels to ensure the smooth preparation and execution of the ANCM, AMNEX and AFR.

“This includes engagement sessions with ASEAN Defence Advisors based in Malaysia, the holding of Planning Conferences and ANCM Staff Meetings, as well as initiatives to disseminate important information,” he said in an interview with Bernama here.

In efforts to enhance promotion and public awareness, he said the RMN has joined forces with Penang Global Tourism (PGT) under the supervision of the Penang government.

In addition to ANCM, AMNEX and AFR, side activities include the Naval Engineering Conference (NEC), the ASEAN Navies’ City Parade (ANCP) to promote naval traditions to the public and opportunities for the public to visit ASEAN warships.

The week-long programme in Penang will also feature an ASEAN naval contingent parade, salutes by maritime assets, an RMN helicopter flypast and a formation sail-past of ships in the Northern Strait as part of the AFR.

Mohd Fadzli Kamal said hosting such significant activities as ANCM, AMNEX and AFR is an international recognition of Malaysia’s capability, particularly the RMN, in leading and coordinating regional cooperation, while also reflecting ASEAN’s confidence in the RMN’s role as one of the main drivers of maritime stability in the region.

“I hope the success of this event will set a new benchmark for the RMN in hosting international-level military events, thereby elevating Malaysia’s name as a leader in maritime cooperation in the region,” he said.

He said the RMN aims to send a clear message of its strong commitment to advancing the agenda of regional maritime peace and stability through cooperation and unity.

Mohd Fadzli Kamal also expressed hope that this year’s activities will serve as a platform for constructive strategic dialogue among ASEAN navy leaders and open the way for closer and more effective collaboration in the future.

Highlighting the RMN’s role at the ASEAN and international levels, he said the RMN’s consistent participation in various bilateral and multilateral platforms demonstrates that it is not merely a naval force, but also serves as Malaysia’s maritime ambassador on the global stage.

In addition, he said the RMN continues to play a consistent role in advancing the agenda of regional maritime peace and security, particularly in current issues such as piracy, cross-border crimes, maritime search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

“Beyond the military aspect, the RMN also emphasises the element of defence diplomacy through overseas ship deployment (Regional Engagement Deployment), officer exchange programmes, the holding of strategic dialogues or meetings and joint training programmes.

“All these directly contribute to the recognition of the RMN’s capability and professionalism, while enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a progressive and trusted maritime nation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA