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Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the Malaysian Defence Minister Dato' Seri Najib's intention to introduce a new defence policy next year. 10.10.2000.

Malaysia needs a reliable defence. Spending RM5 billion To RM billion a year on it, we expect our armed forces to perform well. However, the recent incidence of weaknesses in security such as the arms heist in Sauk, Grik, Perak and the kidnappings by Philippine rebels in Sabah has sounded an alarm. Can Malaysia defend herself?

The Defence Minister has spoken on a new defence policy next year. What will it be?

Dato' Seri Najib said: " The policy will take into consideration Malaysia's
current security needs. The incident in Sauk, Grik , Perak, and the
kidnappings on Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Pandanan, Sabah, will also be taken into consideration.

" The new defence policy will enable the armed forces to face any threat
from conventional to low intensity conflicts," he added.

As the Defence Ministry gathers information, we keep an eye on the new policy. We would like credible armed forces. Nevertheless, illegal
immigrants can land at over 70 places on Malaysian shores and the Sipadan and Pandanan kidnappings have revealed weaknesses in our coastal defence.

Every year, the Government allocates between RM5 to RM6 billion for defence, the operating expenditure going up from about RM2.3 billion in 1990 to over RM3.9 billion in 2000. Allocations for development vary from over RM1 billion to over RM2 billion. However, whether in the purchase of equipment or the building of infrastructure, the Government has kept us in the dark. For example, we know very little about the purchase of aircrafts from U.S.A.and Russia.

We may spend 2% to 2.5% of our Gross Domestic Product, GDP, compared with Singapore's 6%. But, the Government must be more transparent on what it spends. What is the amount required for a credible defence?

We realize that the present National Defence Policy was drafted in 1986 and reviewed in 1990. We need a new policy to meet the challenges.

We understand that there are military secrets. But then, it does not mean
that all things are secrets. The Government should be more open on most things.

For example, U.S.A. talks about deploying a national missile-defence
programme, using missles to destroy incoming foreign missiles. This is
controversial. Some people doubt the effectiveness of the system. China and Russia object to the deployment. The Democratic presidential candidate and American Vice-President Al Gore and the Republican presidential candidate George Bush Jr argue publicly about the programme in their election campaigns. Meanwhile, President Bill Clnton says on 3 September 2000 that he will leave a decision on whether to deploy the program to his successor.

America guards its military secrets. But, her people debate the national
missle-defence programme and other defence issues.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw