KUALA LUMPUR: The National Defence Industry policy will be drafted following the publication of Defence White Paper (DWP).
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the policy would serve as a guideline for the sector’s development.
“The National Defence Industry policy will contain five main thrusts, namely, human capital development, technology development, industry development, self-reliance and penetrating the global market,” he said during the tabling of the Bill at Dewan Rakyat.
The five initiatives have been planned in realising these thrusts, which covers the strengthening economic strategy framework for science, technology and defence industry, which focuses on specific fields; restructuring of defence industry-related organisations, establishment of defence investment committee, encouraging research and development (R&D) and innovation through sustainable funding, and reinforcing development programmes.
Mohamad said the Malaysian Armed Forces would be reformed as a “Future Force” that was integrated, agile and focused; ready to protect national interests and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
He said the Future Force, stated in chapter two of the 90-page document, would be realised based on five characteristics — jointness, inter-operability, two-theatre operations and mission-oriented.
Mohamad also said 10 defence capacity and capabilities were identified in the document — strengthening the forces’ defence intelligence, developing capabilities for electromagnetic cyber activities; enhancing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR); developing network-centric operation, satellite communication to improve command capability and joint control.
The others are to maintain and enhance the abilities and tempo of operations by special forces, enhancing the capabilities of the maritime, air and land domains, and developing amphibious capability.
He said DWP, which was prepared based on the National Defence Policy, outlined the role of people in realising Comprehensive Defence.
They consist of the regular force, volunteer forces, veterans, the Defence Ministry’s civilian personnel and the general public.
He said the government was committed to promoting military career as a career of choice and attract high-skilled talents, as well as strengthening the role of the volunteer forces to augment and operate with the regular forces in the event of a conflict, emergencies or natural disasters.
“The government also strives to attract more Malaysians to join the volunteer forces which could serve as a bridge between the armed forces and the public.
“The contribution of veterans are highly honoured and recognised.
“The wellbeing of Veterans will continue to be upheld with a focus on helping Veterans obtain second careers.”
Under the chapter, Defence and Security Cluster will be formed to retain the institutional memory of civil servants with expertise in defence and security matters.
Mohamad also stressed the importance of engaging the general public in the national defence.
Apart from armed forces of the future, DWP also places emphasise on strategic perspective, defence strategy, defence international relations; science, technology and defence industry; and reformation, governance and allocation.