Zahid: Cooperation More Important Than Arms Race

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 AUG, 2010: Malaysia need not compete in an arms race with other countries, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Instead, he said, the country should strengthen cooperation in armed forces to safeguard universal peace.

"I don't think, in the current peace situation, we should compete with our Asean neighbours for sophisticated armed forces assets, but more towards common usage," he said.

He said this after receiving separate courtesy visits from Singapore Armed Forces chief Major-General Neo Kian Hong, Timor Leste Defence Secretary Dr Julio Tomas Pinto and Brunei Royal Army Commander Colonel Yusof Abd Rahman at the Defence Ministry today.

Ahmad Zahid said, during the meetings, he made several proposals, which included having informal communication among officers and armed forces commanders who visited the country, and improving communication contact.

"I think, during this peace situation, we need to have informal contacts, joint exercises and ensure officers get exposure in their respective fields at armed forces colleges and the like," he said, adding that informal contacts involved family contacts and social visits.

-BERNAMA