KUALA LUMPUR: Protecting the safety, peace and sovereignty of the country's waters will be the main focus of the new Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief, Admiral Datuk Mohd Reza Mohd Sany.
Officially commencing his duty as the 17th RMN chief at the Navy headquarters here at Wisma Pertahanan today, he stated that the RMN fleet will continue to support the country's security policy as outlined earlier.
“I will ensure that all the government policies which had been outlined will receive the necessary support from the RMN, specifically when it comes to preserving the sovereignty of the nation’s waters.
In addition to the nation’s sovereignty, all the RMN citizens, be it whether they are serving on the high seas or land will continue to work and ensure that the nation’s maritime security is secured through the existing military assets that we posses,” he told reporters here today.
He also said the RMN 15-5 Transformation Plan 15-5 initiated by former RMN chief Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin would continue to enhance capabilities in relief operations and moving of troops and equipment.
"It will be streamlined, fixed from time to time according to the circumstances and needs.
The transformation '15 to 5 ' program is a fleet restructuring plan which sees reduction from 15 vessel classes to five classes.
This is to reduce dependence on external countries as well as enable better and efficient logistics management, while enhancing the local shipbuilding industry.
Reza, 55, was appointed Naval Commander replacing Ahmad Kamarulzaman who went on leave prior to his retirement last Friday.
He was appointed as RMN deputy chief on July 13, 2018.
The Kuala Lumpur-born joined RMN on May 1, 1981 after completing his studies at the Royal Military College.
Reza had held several important posts including Joint Forces commander, RMN frigate KD Lekiu commanding officer and Naval Region 1 commander.