Defence Ministry signs 35 deals worth nearly RM4bil
LANGKAWI: The Defence Ministry (Mindef ) signed a total of 35 agreements valued at nearly RM3.8bil at the 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) exhibition 2017.
They comprised 12 MoUs, seven Letters of Agreement, five Letters of Intent and 11 contracts.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said this was an 81% increase over Lima 2015 that saw RM2.04bil worth of agreements signed.
He said despite the economic uncertainties and budget constraints, “we are still able to increase the value of contracts and agree- ments signed”.
“This shows that we have the capabilities, and if the economy improves we will be able to achieve more,” he added.
“The achievement is testament to the success of Mindef in pursuing a collaborative approach with our industry partners as outlined by HalaTujuMindef.
“Modernising the Malaysian Armed Forces, whilst mindful of continuing global economic challenges, remains a top priority for Mindef and the Government as highlighted by the Prime Minister two days ago,” he said.
The participating companies were Boustead Naval Shipyard, Seicom System Sdn Bhd, Aerospace Technology System Corp Sdn Bhd, Europrop International, GmbH, Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Airbus Military Sociedad Limitada, Airod Sdn Bhd, and Destin Prima Sdn Bhd.
On Lima 2019, Hishammuddin said he would like to see increased participation from the Transport Ministry (MOT).
“In Lima 2015, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and I agreed that the role of MOT and the commercial sector in Lima should be enhanced.
“There is still a lot of room for the Transport Ministry to play in Lima, as there is not much more the military sector can add this time around.
“There should be equal focus, a 50:50 ratio, from both Mindef and Transport Ministry.
“But whether this is achievable depends on whether the stakeholders and the industries will come forward. There is only so much the Government can do,” he added.
Hishammuddin said he was happy with Lima 2017, as the bilateral agreements had gone full swing.
“We must also look at Lima over and above the military component.
“The Transport Ministry has played a very important role to ensure that the future Lima event will be fresh and can be improved upon.
“The understanding between Mindef and Boustead to build four littoral mission ships with China shows that what we have announced recently is not only on paper.
“It shows our commitment to the navy and the people,” he said.