KUALA LUMPUR: I guess that the PM cum Defence Minister or his bevy of advisors do not read Malaysian Defence. Otherwise he and his advisors would not come up with the answers which became the story below.
If they did, they would have known that Malaysian Defence readers voted overwhelmingly for the commissioning and publication of a defence white paper. They could have browse through Malaysian Defence but decided to ignore the recommendation. Who these people think they are, telling us what to do?
96 readers voted in the poll with 83 in favour of the white paper even if it just to know where our money will be spent. Seven admitted that they did not what the heck is a white paper while the rest voted that they will rely on the government to come up with a proper defence policy.
The deferment of the Nuri Replacement Programme and its subsequent after effects, is a perfect example why we need a clear and precise document on how we are going to conduct our defence policy and procurement in the future.
What is a White Paper? Here is the Wikipedia definition.
“A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that often addresses problems and how to solve them. White papers are used to educate readers and help people make decisions. They are used in politics and business. They can also be a government report outlining policy.”
“In the Commonwealth of Nations, “white paper” is an informal name for a parliamentary paper enunciating government policy; in the United Kingdom these are mostly issued as “Command papers”. White papers are issued by the government and lay out policy, or proposed action, on a topic of current concern. Although a white paper may on occasion be a consultation as to the details of new legislation, it does signify a clear intention on the part of a government to pass new law.”
The National Defence Policy as outlined by Pak Lah is probably another rehash of the current defence policy (HANRUH). Why? Do you really think they will come up with something so substantive within the next four months?
Ministry Coming Up With Open Edition Of Defence Policy
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) — The Defence Ministry is in the process of publishing an open edition of the National Defence Policy for public consumption, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday.
The publication would touch on the defence policy aspects applied now besides the aspects of defence cooperation, and security and defence issues in the region and beyond, he said in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat.
Abdullah, who is also the defence minister, said the government had no intention to issue a Defence White Paper as it was not the practice for the document to be taken through readings be
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We need a true White Paper. A White Paper that discusses the defence and security needs and challenges of the nation. A White Paper that outlines the future capabilities of the Armed Forces in order to meet these needs. That sets out a vision for the Armed Forces.
Not a half page (and also half baked) “Policy Statement”.
We need a White Paper for public to understand the concept of Defending Malaysia from potential enemies and internal enemies (corrupted politicians who stand to gain from defence procurements)