Boost defence spending to meet current security challenges: navy chief

KOTA KINABALU – Navy Chief Tan Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany hopes the new government will consider streamlining the budget of the Malaysian Armed Forces in stages from 1% to 1.5% of the gross domestic product so that the nation’s defence capability could be adapted to the current security scenario.

He said without appropriate allocation, the nation’s ability to maintain a high level of preparedness against threats, especially those affecting national security, could be affected.

“The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is now facing challenges in operating obsolete assets and a constrained defence budget would not only affect the preparedness and capability of RMN, but could also indirectly risk the safety of RMN personnel in carrying out their duties,” he said.

He was speaking at the pinning of submarine expertise insignia at the submarine command headquarters in the Sepanggar RMN Base, here today.

Commenting further, Reza said to ensure the navy is capable of best responding to threats and to implement the entrusted responsibilities efficiently, there is a need to continue increasing the assets based on the “15 to five” plan drafted by RMN before this.

“They are the littoral combat ships and the second batch of littoral mission ships, and as for the submarine fleet, RMN is aware of the need to increase the total number of submarines to four to complete and optimise the cycle of submarine operation.

“The global and regional security landscape is getting more uncertain and needs the serious attention of the government in preserving the sovereignty and security of Malaysia’s maritime zone, which contributes 40% of the country’s revenue,” he added.

Nonetheless, he said RMN is focused on defending national maritime sovereignty and interests – regardless of its condition – apart from remaining committed to being competitive in line with the current development in technology.

At the ceremony, 30 trainees comprising 11 officers and 19 personnel of other ranks from various navy branches received the submarine expertise insignia. – Bernama, December 2, 2022