Defence Minister Khaled Nordin Emphasizes Importance of Local Defence Industry Policy
Final Stages of Consideration
The local defence industry policy is in the final stages of consideration by the defence industry council before it is brought to the Cabinet for approval. According to Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, the policy is set to be launched this year once it gets the Cabinet’s nod.
Prime Minister’s Vision
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants the ministry to focus specifically on this matter, and it has become part of the ministry’s planning, said Khaled Nordin. He revealed this after a breaking-fast event with Camp Paradise personnel in Kota Belud.
Synergy between Defence Ministry and Industry Players
Last Friday, Anwar called for a new synergy between the defence ministry and industry players to ensure the nation’s defence research and development ecosystem continues to progress in line with technological advancements and changes.
Reducing Reliance on Foreign Supply
Khaled said the prime minister also wanted the ministry to focus specifically on defence matters, including reducing Malaysia’s reliance on foreign supply of assets and developing the nation’s own defence capabilities instead.
Developing Defence Capabilities
Developing Malaysia’s defence capabilities is the first step to establishing an ecosystem to support a local defence industry, said Khaled. "We are looking at technology transfer. In every procurement we make, we must ensure that there is a transfer of technology to the country, so that the nation can develop its own capacity to develop the industry," he said.
Conclusion
The development of a local defence industry is crucial for the country’s security and economic growth. The government’s efforts to establish a defence industry policy will pave the way for the growth of a robust and self-sufficient defence sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key aspects of the defence industry policy?
A: The policy aims to reduce Malaysia’s reliance on foreign supply of assets and develop the nation’s own defence capabilities.
Q: What is the role of technology transfer in the policy?
A: Technology transfer is crucial in every procurement, ensuring that technology is transferred to the country to develop its own capacity to develop the industry.
Q: What is the expected outcome of the policy?
A: The policy is expected to establish an ecosystem to support a local defence industry, contributing to the country’s security and economic growth.