NDIP Strengthens National Security, Restores Confidence In Defence Sector - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- The National Defence Industry Policy (NDIP) launched today is a new step to strengthen national security, restore confidence in the defence sector and build a more credible and integrity-based local industrial capability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the long-delayed policy is now being implemented in line with the demands of the times and the current needs of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

"This defence industry policy has indeed been long-delayed and I think it is in line with the demands of the times and hopefully overcomes the crisis that has befallen the Malaysian Armed Forces recently," he said at the NDIP launching ceremony here today.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Army Chief Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Anwar said the NDIP is driven by four main pillars including strengthening governance and institutions, developing technological capabilities, strengthening the ecosystem and local defence supply chain, and increasing global competitiveness and exports.

“Our focus includes or begins with strengthening governance and institutions, which I always emphasise starts with good governance,” he said.

He said the second pillar is the development of technological capabilities, including through the implementation of the Industrial Collaboration Programme.

Anwar said the third pillar involves strengthening the ecosystem and local defence supply chain, which requires building technological self-reliance and continuous support for local industries.

“Because the ecosystem requires us not only to buy but also to provide local technology self-reliance, strengthening the network or what is called the local supply chain and commercialisation of R&D (research and development),” he said.

He said the fourth pillar is increasing global competitiveness and exports, with the target for Malaysia to start exporting its defence industry products.

“If there is efficient and good internal capabilities, we must move to increase global competitiveness and start exporting our products,” he said.

Anwar said the implementation of NDIP must be based on integrity and good governance, especially in dealing with corruption and malpractice issues that have tarnished the image of the defence sector, while stressing that a few issues that are still under investigation should not tarnish the entire image of MAF.

“So I would like to clarify that the integrity, commitment, spirit and resilience of members should not be affected, because the vast majority know their responsibilities, know the trust they carry and know that the country depends on their service and readiness,” he said.

“I do not want a few issues that surround a few people, who are still under investigation, to tarnish the face and image and status of military officers at all levels who have served well,” he said.

Anwar said NDIP is not only aimed at building industrial capabilities, but also gives new hope to the country, while assuring the full support of the entire Cabinet for the implementation of the policy.

“That is my guarantee. The entire Cabinet is together to improve and restore the role of capabilities and also implement the National Defence Industry Policy. That is my guarantee,” he said.

-- BERNAMA