Lima’19 the best ever – Dr M

LANGKAWI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday described the ongoing 2019 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima’19) exhibition as the best ever.

The Prime Minister said the success of Lima will continue and “we will benefit greatly from this exhibition”.

Dr Mahathir launched the first edition of Lima 28 years ago, in 1991. Lima has developed into the leading maritime and aerospace exhibition in the Asia Pacific region.

“We have seen and noted that since the organisation of Lima, our industries have improved significantly. In fact, we have mastered advanced technology and are capable of producing defence products for export.

“This is a record of Lima,” he told a press conference at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), here.

Dr Mahathir, who is the MP for Langkawi, said Lima will help the country attract more investments and enhance collaboration between foreign and local entrepreneurs in the area of defence equipment.

The Prime Minister also said that during his visit to the booths today he saw the sophistication of air traffic control where just one person without being academically highly qualified can operate flight takeoff and landing.

“This is an improved facility compared to the previous radioguided one. Now, one can see for oneself the movement of the aircraft. I was impressed with the company involved,” he said.

Replying to a question, Dr Mahathir said he hopes that Malaysians abroad with expertise will return to the country to help enhance (the) aviation (industry).

Asked whether developing the arms industry will spur the country’s economic development, Dr Mahathir said: “In another area of engineering, yes. Because the arms industry requires knowledge of technology and modern systems of control and etc … so we need to learn. If we want to become a developed country, we need to have command of this knowledge.