Peace Must Not Lead To Complacency In National Defence Preparedness - PM Anwar
JASIN, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the peace and stability the nation currently enjoys should not be used as an excuse to neglect preparedness and efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities.
He said world history has shown that many nations have made grave mistakes by neglecting the importance of maintaining military discipline and readiness during peaceful times.
“When a country is at peace and stable, people tend to assume everything is under control. So, the focus shifts solely to the economy, education and infrastructure development, assuming all is well.
“But for us who are enjoying peace, we must not neglect the importance of preparation, readiness, discipline and the enhancement of national defence capabilities,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the MADANI Rakyat 2025 Programme here today.
Also present were Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Melaka State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Anwar said the public must be informed about the RM21.7 billion allocation to the Defence Ministry under Budget 2026 to ensure transparency and public understanding of the government’s investment in national defence.
“When we allocate RM21.7 billion to the Defence Ministry, some may ask: what equipment is being purchased? Which aircraft? Which tanks? These are matters that can be explained by the relevant officers to the public,” he said.
Anwar also expressed appreciation to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin for prioritising issues related to discipline, procurement and the welfare of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel, including the provision of housing and schools for their families.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said that the country’s strength lies not only in military capability but also in the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing leakages and economic crimes.
“Just imagine, in two years, enforcement agencies have managed to recover national revenue, including from scams and illicit syndicates, amounting to RM15.5 billion. This is the people’s money, the nation’s money,” he said.
Anwar commended the courage of enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for dismantling major syndicates and saving public funds for the benefit of the people.
However, he emphasised that the billions of ringgit recovered will be channelled back to the people through allocations for schools, clinics, road infrastructure and salary adjustments for civil servants.
-- BERNAMA
