Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : THE PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE (PWTC),
KUALA LUMPUR (K.L)
Tarikh/Date : 20/03/90
Tajuk/Title : THE OPENING OF THE DEFENCE SERVICES
ASIA EXHIBITION
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the
organisers for inviting me to declare open this exhibition.
Since the 80s countries around this region have hosted vari-
ous defence exhibitions and shows. As to whether this is a
reflection of the tensions in the region or merely a desire
for prestige is for the Southeast Asian watchers to analyse.
But like it or not, the defence industry is big business and
for some countries, especially the developed nations, de-
fence sales form a significant portion of their exports.
2. For Malaysia, as I have stated on many occasions, de-
fence preparedness is only necessary in order to ensure sta-
bility for economic and social development. We are not an
aggressive nation, and we have no territorial claims. Like-
wise Malaysian territory is not for sale to anyone. But we
accept the need to defend our seas and our territories with
all the strength we are capable of.
3. Our main defence requirement in the past was in order
to counter communist insurgency. Since 1948 a fair percent-
age of the national budget had to be expanded to counter
communist terrorist activities. It is a war that does not
call for very sophisticated and expensive weaponry. The
main need is skill in anti-guerilla jungle warfare. Over
the years of the 'Emergency' Malaysian soldiers acquired
skills which are second to none in this type of warfare.
4. Not many countries have been able to defeat the commu-
nist guerillas. Malaysia is one of the few. Although the
initial period of intense jungle warfare exacted a high toll
in men and money but the protracted war of attrition which
followed was no less debilitating. But perseverence paid
off and in December 1989, 41 years after the communist
launched their armed attempt to overthrow the Government,
the Malayan Communist Party or MCP decided to lay down arms.
5. Now that the guerilla war is over, we are not about to
forget our skills in this area. But we do realise the need
for some conventional warfare capability. We have already
decided what kind of weapons we need, and how much we can
afford. They are relatively simple and modest. We are not
about to keep up with the Joneses. But we will be capable.
6. In the meantime we hope everyone will divert their re-
search and energy to meet the needs of a world without a
Cold War. The market for arms will shrink. It already has.
We should not regret this. The energy, funds and research
capabilities will not be wasted for there are non-military
applications aplenty. Weapons and sophisticated surveilance
systems are going to be much in demand to combat smuggling,
particularly of drugs. Already AWACS are finding a place in
this field in America. If the sophisticated surveilance
systems could be adapted for counter-smuggling work, and
costs are reduced, the market for these should sustain the
arms industry, or at least its considerable expertise and
resources in terms of inventiveness and innovation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. Malaysia, together with the other members of ASEAN,
will continue to strive for the realisation of a Zone of
Peace, Freedom and Neutrality or ZOPFAN for Southeast Asia.
Together with the member countries, Malaysia will also work
towards a nuclear free zone in this region. Southeast Asia
must be kept free from any superpower conflict and rivalry
so that development and progress can continue. Any attempt
or action that is not in keeping with the objectives of
ZOPFAN would not only hinder the realisation of this objec-
tive but would also provide excuses for others from outside
to involve themselves in the region. This would be detri-
mental to our well-being and security.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. The holding of this exhibition and my presence here
should not be interpreted as an endorsement by the Govern-
ment towards the arms industry or as an indication that
Malaysia is going to embark on an arms build-up. Malaysia
has no wish to do so. But the arms industry, like the other
industries too, have undergone rapid changes and develop-
ment. Malaysia would be left behind if it does not keep
abreast with the changes taking place. It is for this rea-
son that the Government supports this exhibition.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
9. Once again I thank the organisers for inviting me to
officiate this Exhibition. I have now much pleasure in de-
claring open the Defence Services Asia Exhibition.
Thank you.
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