KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence White Paper (DWP) stands as a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to safeguarding security, fostering prosperity, and nurturing well-being, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the DWP also serves as a critical document for both the ministry and the armed forces.
"Since its introduction, DWP has become the main guide and foundation for various policy formulations, focuses, and directions.
"As such, the success in translating this DWP should be a priority and focus for all parties in this ministry.
"On that basis, this Mid-term Review that we are about to commence must be seen as a serious and objective exercise," he said in his speech at the launch of Mid-term Review of the Defence White Paper at Wisma Perwira, here, today.
Present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
Khaled said the Mid-Term Review offers at least three key benefits.
First, this study will report in detail the effectiveness and weaknesses of the approaches put in place since 2020, he said.
"This is to ensure that the aspirations of this DWP can be achieved.
"Second, it allows us to consider and include various matters that have not been covered before.
"Furthermore, since the presentation of this DWP in parliament, there have been various changes and developments that must be addressed."
He said they include the world's experiences in dealing with global pandemics such as Covid-19, the impacts of climate change, the reintroduction of the National Service Training Programme, as well as in the geopolitical context.
Third, the findings of this Mid-Term Review will serve as a basis for the ministry and the Armed Forces to negotiate with the federal government, allowing our needs and planning to be considered in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) starting next year, he said.