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.