New Straits Times, KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Armed Forces wants to buy early-warning aircraft and a multi-role support ship to be used as a floating command centre.
Malaysian Armed Forces chief Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin
Armed forces chief Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said these military assets were required to safeguard the busy Strait of Malacca, patrol border areas and tackle complex security threats such as terrorism.
'I hope the government will approve the procurement of these assets,' he said in several media interviews to mark the 71st anniversary of the armed forces earlier this week.
The aircraft he wants are equipped with an early-warning defence system and detection capabilities which are faster and more accurate than ground radar. The support ship, besides being a command centre, can also function as an aircraft carrier.
In the interviews, Gen Mohd Zahidi also stressed the importance of transparency and openness in the military.
Referring to criticism that was voiced when he assumed his duties five years ago, he said: 'I know a lot of people were saying 'how can there be transparency and openness when the armed forces chief's post is always reserved for the army?' I think I have proved these people wrong.
'At that time, I think the reason why the post of armed forces chief always fell to an army man was because the army chief was a full general, while the chiefs of the other services were three-star lieutenant-generals.'
He added: 'Since I took over, the government has decided to make the air force and navy chiefs four-star generals. So now, any of the chiefs from the three services can become the armed forces chief.
'This is one of the things I meant when I said there should be transparency and openness. My successor when I eventually retire will be picked by the government based on merit.'
Under his leadership, the armed forces has been modernised with purchases of high-tech submarines, fighter jets, helicopters and battle tanks.
The recent launch of a joint command for the army, navy and air force to carry out joint operations to safeguard national security was another feather in his cap.
The general, whose job contract has been extended to next year, said he would now focus on air and naval defence.
