KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — Some parties were left reeling in shock by Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal’s statement in September, where he had urged the government to take action on those who stoked racial sentiments.
His statement on Sept 9, according to them, was seen as if the military, which was always neutral, was beginning to interfere with the country’s political affairs.
In many countries, including Asean, the military is heavily involved in the country’s administration and can determine the rise and fall of public administration.
Denying such perception, Abdul Aziz explained that there was no bad intention when making the statement.
“My intentions were good, there were no hidden meanings behind the statement,” he said.
Abdul Aziz’s explanation should put to rest, whatever worries that arose as well as ensure the level of professionalism and sacrifice of the military that have always been praised.
In early September, the armed forces’ 75 years of service continued to be recognised on an international level when they were given the honour of taking part in a peacekeeping mission abroad, such as in Lebanon.
On Oct 25, 169 members and officers in the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), including five members from the Brunei Armed Forces, left for Lebanon to serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon to monitor the security in the country that was experiencing turbulence.
The team, known as Malcon West 1, was stationed in At Tiri, Lebanon, for nine months to replace the Qatar Infantry Company which withdrew in February.
The team was on duty at At Tiri in a joint security operation with French soldiers and helped the Lebanese Armed Forces to act against armed elements involved in the illegal movement of weapons.
Previously, 54 officers and members of Malcon West 1 left for Beirut on Oct 18, increasing the total number of MAF members to 223.
Besides its participation in peacekeeping missions, the MAF is also involved in community service.
However, their contributions appear unrecognised as they maintained a low-profile when helping the local community.
The nation saw MAF’s contributions when the country experienced critical situtions such as natural disasters.
On Dec 7, the MAF constructed a tactical bridge across a monsoon drain to connect Taman Bukit Mewah to Riverdale Park, at the landslide areas in Bukit Antarabangsa.
Four people were killed and 23 others injured when a part of Taman Bukit Mewah in Bukit Antarabangsa experienced a landslide which destroyed 14 bungalows. The disaster also cut off contact for 5,000 residents when the main road to their housing areas was blocked.
Army chief engineer Brig-Gen Abdul Nasser Ahmad said the bridge would allow residents trapped in their neighbourhood to move in and out of the area.
In September, a Royal Malaysian Navy was sent to Somalia to monitor the safety of two MISC oil tankers after they were hijacked by Somalian pirates, earlier that month.
When floods occured several times this year, the military was also sent to help. They are always ready to serve the people during emergencies or disasters.
Throughout the year, the military also monitored the country’s safety, whether on land, sea or air.
Because of this, they also needed improvements to become a more modern and sophisticated team.
This led to plans to buy 12 Eurocopter EC-725 worth RM1.607 billion, to replace their ageing fleet of Sikorsky S61-A4 Nuri.
However, the purchase was postponed to Oct 28 because the government had to focus on projects that were more beneficial to the people.
The EC-725 aircraft was chosen because the model was an upgrade from the AS532 Cougar helicopter and had made its first flight in 2000 to fulfil French Air Force Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) requirements.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s portfolio exchange from finance minister to defence minister on Sept 17, also made history.
Abdullah, who was previously defence minister for two years since 1986, said he would now focus on projects to build homes for soldiers and military officers, which would be extended nationwide. — Bernama
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Many questions were asked :
1. Is this is the best way ? Any other cheaper way ?
2. Why so expensive ?
3. Why is it more expensive than the ones bought by Brazil ?
4. Why was there no tender process if this is not full-defence sensitive ?
5. Buying 12 copters do not add much defence power to the nation. Why was it done in a rush ?
6. Why was there no inspection by an independent team ? The DPM said that they have seen it via LIMA. Is it enough ?
7. Based on which specification that the country wanted to order to ensure delivery is according to the specification ? How do we ensure that ?
8. What advantage do we get as a country to purchase these copters ?
The manner it was done in a rush and later overturned by the cabinet after hue and cry from public showed the whole process lacked transparency and professionalism.
Our military too has to move to a first world mentality.