SHAH ALAM: The Defence Ministry will focus on maritime preparedness by empowering the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said this was one of the issues discussed during his audience with Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also RMN Captain-In-Chief, at Istana Bukit Kayangan, on Thursday.
Mohamad said the role of the RMN is crucial given the present circumstances and in the future as Malaysia has a large swathe of maritime territory between Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsular.
“(RMN) must be enhanced and strengthened because in the past, the country’s revenue was only garnered from land but now it is gained offshore such as oil rigs at the South China Sea.
“The South China Sea becomes (a place for) power struggle. So, Malaysia must play a role and be in the state of preparedness, not for a war but for the sake of guarding and protecting the sovereignty of our country,” said Mohamad.
Mohamad was met by reporters after an inaugural audience with Sultan Sharafuddin.
Also in the discussion was RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin.
Mohamad added that Malaysia will continue to defend the concept of Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan) that was brought about by second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
“We do not want the conflict happening in West Asia between the super powers to be brought here. So the concept of Zopfan must be emphasised for Malaysia to be a country of neutrality.”
In the meeting, which lasted about an hour, Mohamad said Sultan Sharafuddin also gave his advice on the aspect of naval equipment.
He said Sultan Sharafuddin had decreed that all of the equipment must be able and in a state of preparedness at all times.
“The procurement of the equipment must also in line with the needs of the RMN and of international standard,” said Mohamad.