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M'sian army outsources non-essential products, services to trim costs
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Sat, Mar 01, 2008
The New Straits Times
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iv>It will also phase out or refurbish some of its machinery and arsenal, said its chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Ismail Jamaluddin.
This is expected to save the Defence Ministry millions, if not billions of ringgit, a year.
"It will also promote local defence industries and offer business and employment opportunities to ex-servicemen," said Muhammad Ismail.
As an example, he said power generators could be leased so that the army would pay only for the time they were utilised.
"It's like paying for 'air time' on television. When not required or during down-time, we do not have to pay anything.
"There are many other equipment which are idling around and not giving a return on investment," he said, adding some of the vehicles or radars could also be leased.
As for human resources, the army has begun hiring "thinking soldiers" or intellects to be trained on crisis management and to handle sophisticated equipment.
"We need better communication and transparency at all levels, so that a rank-and-file soldier can approach the top brass comfortably without being seen to break ranks.
"I personally do not mind if, say a major, wants to see me directly to sort out an issue, without having to go through his superiors," said Muhammad Ismail at the Defence Ministry, in a recent interview in conjunction with the army's 75th anniversary today.
Army Day will be celebrated in Port Dickson today. The highlight will be the naming of the recently acquired 48 PT-91M Twardy main battle tanks from Poland the 'Pendekar'.
On equipment, Muhammad Ismail said overhauled armoured personnel carriers like the 4x4 Radpanzer Condors and 6x6 Sibmas, which were over 25 years old, may be phased out after 2010.
"We are contemplating refurbishing and retrofitting them. Failing which, we will propose to replace them altogether, with new-generation fighting vehicles," he said, adding that the budget would come from the 10th Malaysia Plan.
On the Army Air Corps, he said it would go fully operational by 2010 when its pilots had completed conversion and tactical courses on the Nuri S-61 Sikorsky helicopters.
By then, the army will be equipped with 11 Agusta A109 Power helicopters, while the Nuris are phased out for the air force to operate newer helicopters.
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