KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob entered the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) headquarters today to officially begin his new and very important role as the country’s defence minister.
One of the first things he did was to assure that the commitment towards the country’s defence will be enhanced for the next decade as underlined in the Defence White Paper (DWP) tabled last year by his predecessor Mohamad Sabu and approved by the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 2 last year.
It will be a primary reference for MINDEF in carrying out short, medium and long term planning and implementation.
“This proves that the new government is mature and determined in the practice of democracy. The country’s defence is an important agenda that cannot be compromised in any way and each and every policy that has been agreed upon in Parliament will be implemented as best as possible by the government.
“MINDEF will focus on the development of the Armed Forces capabilities, a comprehensive reinforcement of defence through a wholesome approach by the government and the rakyat, along with responsible sharing with neighbouring countries and others in ensuring the continued safety, stability and peace across the region,” Ismail Sabri said in a statement.
He also reiterated that attention and focus would also be given towards the welfare of servicemen and veterans, along with civilians who work with MINDEF, as welfare is a very important element which cannot be taken lightly but instead needs to be prioritised by the government.
Earlier Ismail Sabri and his deputy, Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, arrived for the first time at MINDEF’s headquarters off Jalan Semarak to begin their stewardship of the country’s defence ministry. He was greeted by the staff and personnel from the army, navy and air force, and also inspected a guard of honour.
“Today is my first day at MINDEF, and I am very grateful to God Almighty and thankful to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin for having the faith and belief in me and my deputy to lead the ministry which is an important pillar of the government.
“We must also be thankful for the continued peace that the country and the rakyat enjoy which is contributed to by various national security and defence agencies that go all out to protect and secure our country’s peace and sovereignty from foreign threats,” he said in the statement.
Ismail Sabri also expressed gratitude and appreciation towards MINDEF’s previous leadership for bringing the country’s defence agenda to where it is at present while also thanking MINDEF’s staff and personnel for making sure that all duties were carried out smoothly in the best interest of the country.
“I hope that the good people here at MINDEF will continue to give their total cooperation and support to my deputy and myself in managing the country’s defence. I firmly believe that with the valued services and advice from chief secretary, Datuk Muez Abd Aziz and the Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Haji Affendi Buang and MINDEF’s leadership at all levels, my deputy and I will be able to carry out our duties effectively for our beloved country.”
Ismail Sabri revealed that both he and Ikmal will communicate and engage with MINDEF’s top management and leadership to listen to the briefings to better understand the country’s matters pertaining to defence and security.