Day: May 7, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is confident the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will acquire another batch of 18 units of FA-50M light combat aircraft, bringing the total number of the fighter aircraft it will possess to 36 units.

Speaking to Bernama in an interview, KAI’s Regional Manager for Asia Park Shangshin anticipated that negotiation for the second batch of 18 FA-50M between the South Korean aerospace giant and Malaysia would start in the second half of 2026 and be completed by early 2027.

‘I think it is very much likely (for Malaysia to opt for a follow-on order of another 18 units of FA-50M) because we are on track on the first batch, and I believe our customer (Malaysia) is very satisfied with the implementation of the contract.

‘If RMAF wants the same platform as the first batch, then I think the second batch (another 18 FA-50M) is just the continuation of the first batch,’ he said when met on the sidelines of Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 202
4 exhibition here.

In May last year, Malaysia and KAI signed a contract worth almost RM4 billion for 18 units of FA-50 Block 20, which was later named FA-50M (Malaysia).

The RMAF, according to KAI’s senior officials, will be getting its hands on the most capable variant of the light combat aircraft.

The FA-50M variant procured by Malaysia is more advanced and capable than the FA-50 operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and other countries in the region, including Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Currently, only RMAF and the Polish Air Force have opted for the latest variant of the ‘Fighting Eagle’.

Asked about the delivery date for 18 units of Malaysia’s FA-50M, Park said the RMAF would receive their South Korean-made light combat aircraft from October 2026, and the delivery would continue until June 2027 when the last of the18 units of the fighter aircraft is finally delivered to the country.

He also said Malaysia’s FA-50 variant would be of similar capabilities to the FA-50 procu
red by Poland, with both air forces operating the most-capable variants of the FA-50, which are equipped with the cutting-edge Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod).

Besides the PhantomStrike AESA radar developed by RTX (formerly known as Raytheon) and Sniper ATP, Malaysia’s FA-50M light combat aircraft is also slated to be equipped with a Chobham air-refuelling probe for extended-range missions.

The latest variant of the FA-50 acquired by Malaysia is also capable of carrying precision-guided bombs and other smart weapons.

Park was also asked about KAI’s other high-profile project, namely the ongoing development of the KF-21 Boramae 4.5th generation fighter aircraft and whether the aircraft is a good fit for RMAF, which plans to replace its long-serving F/A-18D and Sukhoi Su-30MKM Multi-Role Combat Aircrafts (MRCA) in 2035 and 2040.

‘Sure, of course, I believe that it’s (KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft) going to be the optimal solution (for RMAF),’ he said
, adding that KAI has not started formal discussions with the Malaysian government regarding the KF-21 offer.

Launched in 2015, the KF-21 aircraft development programme is estimated to cost US$6.59 billion (RM26.36 billion).

KAI plans to deliver 40 units of the KF-21 Block 1 aircraft designed for air-to-air missions in 2026, followed by 80 units of the Block 2 aircraft for air-to-ground missions in the subsequent phase.

The South Korean aerospace giant also reportedly intends to start exporting the KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft to interested customers after fulfilling the needs of the country’s air force, ROKAF.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PUTRAJAYA, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today expressed confidence that the nation’s economic landscape will significantly improve if civil servants are efficient and swift in carrying out their duties.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that if civil servants adhere to these principles in their daily tasks, Malaysia will attract global attention in terms of investments.

‘So, focus on this aspect, and you’ll see that our economic landscape will change, and I wholeheartedly believe in it. Leave the rest (politics) to me and my colleagues,’ he said in his speech at the Finance Ministry monthly assembly here today.

Anwar further said that foreign nations’ confidence in Malaysia is evident through their participation in the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 exhibitions. The event successfully drew over 1,000 participants from more than 60 countries.

‘This is rarely seen in exhibitions organised by developing countries like Malaysia,’ he said.

Yesterda
y, Anwar officially opened the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 exhibitions held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, until May 9.

In total, the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 exhibitions saw participation from 1,324 companies representing 60 countries, with 34 countries having their own pavilions, including Turkiye, China, the United Arab Emirates, Italy and the United States.

Regarding civil servants who are not serious and committed in carrying out their daily tasks, Anwar said that strict actions would be taken against them.

‘That’s why I am sometimes stern with a small group of civil servants who deviate from this spirit. I always urge for fairness from society and the media… do not let the behaviour and misconduct of this minority reflect the discipline and spirit of civil servants as a whole,’ he said.

In addition to the encouraging response to the DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 exhibitions, Anwar mentioned that Malaysia also received investments from Microsoft, Amazon Web
Services (AWS) and ACWA Power (ACWA).

Microsoft recently announced a US$2.2 billion investment over the next four years, while AWS is set to invest RM25.5 billion in Malaysia, and ACWA Power will invest US$10 billion over the next decade.

Anwar stressed that foreign investments’ performance, which would boost the country’s revenue, is taken into account when deciding on civil servants’ salary increases.

‘Some argue it’s not a rational economic policy — how can you spend more for your civil servants and then you want to reduce debt? I think it’s about how we manage our economy and the expertise here,’ he said.

On May 1, in conjunction with the national-level 2024 Labour Day celebration, Anwar announced a salary hike of more than 13 per cent for civil servants effective this December, involving an allocation of over RM10 billion.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2024 are open to all global defence companies.

He said Malaysia as a free trade country, provides space to all global industry players to market their products and services in Malaysia.

‘Therefore, Malaysia takes the approach of not interfering in the business dealings of any global company with any particular country,’ he said in a statement today.

Mohamed Khalid said that Defence Ministry was aware of a few parties expressing dissatisfaction with the participation of several global defence companies.

However, he emphasised that the national defence procurement policy is implemented taking into account the latest technological advances, the country’s strategic needs, cost-effectiveness, national interests and Malaysia’s global political stance.

‘No defence procurement will be carried out without taking into account Malaysia’s global stance, especially in the Palestin
ian-Israeli conflict as well as Malaysia’s national interests.

‘The Defence Ministry has always consistently supported the national policy against all forms of injustice against the Palestinian state,’ he stressed.

He explained that DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024 is also an exhibition organised by the private sector with costs and expenses fully borne by the organisers.

“The Malaysian government did not incur any expenses in organising it,” he said.

He said the objective of organising this exhibition is very clear, which is to provide a space for all parties to display the latest defence expertise and technology and enable the governments of various countries and global industry players to explore various advanced technologies and innovations.

He added that the event does not favour or give an advantage to any particular country or company, but instead is open to all countries and industry players including large participation from Islamic countries such as the Republic of Turkey, the Republic of Indonesia, th
e UAE, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Pakistan.

‘Apart from Muslim countries, this exhibition is also an important arena for Asian defence industry players from South Korea, China, India and Singapore,’ he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) has renewed its official website, aiming to give more people the opportunity to learn about the trust-based ASEAN-Japan relationship from different perspectives.

According to AJC in a statement, the website relaunched is the first in almost six years, and content will be updated from time to time.

The AJC’s new tagline, “Building Bridges, Connecting Heart to Heart,” is displayed on the website’s top page, along with unique illustrations showcasing the diversity and the spirit of cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

In addition to showcasing and reporting on the AJC’s activities, the new website also features infographics, ‘ASEAN-Japan Basic Information at a Glance’, an ASEAN database that provides access to data on ASEAN trade and investment.

This includes basic economic indicators and the Revealed Comparative Advantage index, as well as tourism-related data such as an overview of the number of visitors to the region, and ‘The People of ASEAN-Japan’ interview co
ntent that presents stories of people who connect the people of the ASEAN-Japan region.

For more than 40 years since its establishment in 1981, the AJC has served as a bridge between the ASEAN Member States and Japan, actively contributing to building relations between the two regions through trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Based on the vision statement “Trusted Partners” adopted by the leaders of the ASEAN Member States and Japan at the Commemorative Summit held in Tokyo, the AJC aims to deepen the “heart-to-heart” relationship between ASEAN and Japan, and together build a peaceful, sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous society.

The new website can be accessed at https://www.asean.or.jp/.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUCHING, Sarawak will discuss the targeted aid distribution implementation method for eligible recipients in the state with the federal government in the near future.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Legal, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said this is to ensure that the interests of the people, especially in terms of their data, are protected.

‘The Sarawak government through related agencies including the federal agencies in Sarawak will identify the best distribution mechanism of targeted aid to eligible recipients.

‘This is to ensure that no eligible Sarawakians are left out of receiving aid,’ she said in her reply to a question from Razaili Gapor (GPS-Beting Maro) during a question and answer session at the state assembly sitting today.

Razaili wanted to know Sarawak government’s plans to implement targeted assistance following the state government’s decision to postpone the registration process of the central database
hub (PADU).

Sharifah Hasidah said Sarawak is also ready to implement targeted subsidy assistance from the federal government using existing data supplied by agencies in Sarawak.

‘This is a similar mechanism to what we have implemented for our Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS),’ she said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency