Defence Asset Procurement Policy - Threats - Part 2

Note: In the previous article, we have explored some of the procurement methods that are in practiced in several countries, including our own.  We also explored how failure to monitor procurement issue had led to a weakened RMN. 

Disclaimer:
Information shared in this article could not be independently verified.  And even if it has been independently verified, I do not and will not identify them to protect individuals who have and may have shared these information with me.

Tun Hussein Onn

Military procurement doctrine is largely driven by threats that a country is facing.  Malaysia does not run far from this.  As mentioned in the first instalment of this article, the invasion threat and the Domino Effect theory had convinced our defence planners back then to convince then Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn (father to the current Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein).

Son, Datuk Seri Hishammudin Tun Hussein

In fact, understanding the threat that Malaysia is facing today should be the driving reason in formulating a defence assets procurement policy to ensure that our defence forces stay current and is able to counter potential threats.

There are 2 forms of threats to a nation; external and internal threat.

Malaysia to join US, Thailand and South Korea in military exercise

December 22, 2015 - Malaysia will join the United States, Thailand and South Korea in the Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (Calfex), in conjunction with the Cobra Gold military training exercise next year. Armed Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said currently, about 30 countries were participating in the Cobra Gold, which was first held in 1982, but only the three countries had joined Calfex. 

Malaysia, Thailand agree to build common border wall next year

KUALA LUMPUR: To tighten surveillance, Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to build a wall at their common border next year.

Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the pact was reached at the General Border Committee Meeting and it would be referred to Parliament for provision of allocations.

New head of Thai army confirmed: Report

A new head of the Thai army has been confirmed as part of a military reshuffle endorsed by the King, according to a report.

General Thirachai Nakwanich, assistant army chief, will succeed General Udomdej Sitabutr, who will retire at the end of September.

Thai army, Muslim rebels hold closed-door peace talks in Malaysia

BANGKOK: A Thai delegation led by special advisor to the Royal Thai Army General Aksara Kerdpol met with representatives of Thailand's southern militant groups in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Aug 25).

Defence Ministry Gives Green Light to Army Patrols at Malaysia-Thai Border

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today he has “no objection” to the proposal that the military takes over patrols along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

The defence minister said the Cabinet decided today that both the Inspector-General of Police and the Armed Forces chief will discuss the military’s role in the plan.

Saab in Thailand

Gripen of Royal Thai Air Force (Source: Saab)

Thailand has been among the top 10 markets for Saab over an extended period of time. The company opened its offices in Bangkok in 1998 and has extensive engagement with both defence and civilian sectors of Thailand. With the intent of cementing its long term presence in the country, Saab also entered into a joint venture with AVIA Satcom.

US May Take Thousands of Lao Hmong Refugees

A CIA officer and a Hmong resistance fighter in Laos in mid-1962. (Source: CIA)

The United States has said it will initiate a resettlement program for thousands of ethnic Hmong refugees from Laos currently camped in temporary accommodation in Thailand, RFA reports.

Any refugee from the Wat Tham Krabok Temple, near Saraburi, to the north of the Thai capital Bangkok, would be able to apply for resettlement in the United States, subject to background checks and medical examinations, the State Department said in a statement.