Defence – Page 7 – SeaDemon Says

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017

Defence: LIMA ’17 To Be More Exciting

The Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2017 will be more exciting than the previous editions because there is a marked increase in floor space as a result of the re-introduction of the Maritime Segment at the Resorts World, Langkawi.

There will be the array of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) that will be on display such as the United States Air Force MQ-1 Predator, United States Navy MQ-8 Fire Scout, Thales Fulmar Mini-UAV, SAAB AUV 62AT, and the TBN UAV from Ukraine.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will be debuting the newly-received offshore patrol vessel ‘KM Pekan’ donated by the Japanese government.

LIMA ’17 has confirmed 555 exhibitors from 36 countries and is expecting over 180,000 trade and public visitors from all over the world. LIMA ’17 will be held from 21 to 25 March 2017 in Langkawi. This year will mark the 14^th edition in its 27 year history and is expected to be the best and biggest one to date.

Irkut Corporation of Russia will be featuring the Russian Air Force’s aerobatic team ‘Russian Knights’ in their spanking new Sukhoi Su-30SM. This would be the return of the Russian Knights’ to LIMA and their first tour outside the Russian Federation in the Su-30SMs.

Sukhoi Su-30SMs of the Russian Knights at the Langkawi International Airport

Irkut will also be featuring its scout/attack helicopter, the Kamov Ka-25 “Alligator.”

Irkut Corporation will be featuring aircraft models of the entire Irkut product line will be presented at the UAC stand: the Su-30SME fighter, the Yak-130 and Yak-152 training aircraft, and the new MC-21 commercial liner.

Irkut Corporation comes under the Russian pavillion which is under the charge of JSC Rosoboronexport, which is a part of the Rostec State Corporation. Rosoboronexport is in-charge of the united Russian stand at LIMA’17 showcasing over 500 products from 20 enterprises of the defence industry complex of the Russian Federation.

LIMA’ 17 also serves as the perfect platform to encourage further co-operation between Malaysia and regional & global allies in both the maritime and aerospace industries, specifically on asset acquisition as Armed Forces around the world are modernizing their asset bases. For example, the Chiefs of Navy Roundtable Talk at LIMA’17 this year will bring together 12 Chiefs of Navy and 24 representatives to discuss about “Naval Capability Based Acquisition Reform”. Subsequently, the LIMA’17 Air Chiefs Conference will also be taking a similar approach this year, and the attending Chiefs of Air Force and other senior air delegations will be tackling the “Air Force Capability Based Acquisition Reform”.

The Ministers of Defence and Transport viewing the preparations at the Maritime Segment before the Press Conference cum High Tea on board the Royal Malaysian Navy frigate KD Jebat

Another first for LIMA 17 will be the involvement of youths from across the country. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, together with the Ministry of Defence have invited over 500 young individuals from Briged Sukarelawan Khidmat Negara (BSKN), Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Perlis, Parlimen Belia Malaysia, iM4U, Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS), Majlis Belia Malaysia (MBM) and our Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES). They will be attending a Comprehensive Educational Tour throughout LIMA ’17 and attend engagement sessions with leaders in the defence sector. On the final day, a Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) Townhall Dialogue on defence to encourage the youth to play a larger role and capture their aspirations about the future of Malaysia’s security.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM — A B-1B Lancer soars over the Pacific Ocean after air refueling training here Sept. 30. The B1B Bomber is deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of the Pacific Commands continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing regional security and the U.S. commitment to the Western Pacific. The B1 is from the 37th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

Other than the Russian Knights, the Black Eagles, the aerobatic team of the Republic of Korea Air Force will be making a first-time appearance this LIMA. The Black Eagles’ performance involves 9 KAI – T50B jet aircrafts. LIMA 2017 will also see the TNI-AU’s Jupiter as part of the aerobatic demonstrations on show. Our very own Royal Malaysian Air Force’s SU-30 MKM and F/A 18D jets, the Rafale from France, the Gripen 39C/D from Thailand and 2 Supersonic B-1 Bombers from the United States Air Force will also perform flypasts during the exhibition.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM will be performing solo aerial displays throughout the five-day exhibition in Langkawi

March 19, 2017

Kapal Punya Pasal Pembangang Tanya Siapa PM? Najib Atau Rosmah?

Baru-baru ini, pakal peronda generasi baru milik Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM) telah mendapat sebuah Kapal Peronda Generasi Baru (NGPC) yang diberi nama ‘KM Bagan Datuk’. Ianya telah dilancarkan oleh Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Ini yang dijadikan isu. Pembangang mempersoalkan kenapa Rosmah dan bukan Najib Razak sebagai PM melancarkannya.

Sebelum wujudnya tradisi pelancaran kapal oleh kaum wanita, semua pelancaran kapal di Eropah bermula 1680 adalah dengan para hadirin meminum wain dalam bekas yang diperbuat dari perak untuk mengucap selamat kepada kapal tersebut serta bakal anak-anak kapalnya. Bekas perak ini kemudiannya dicampak ke dalam laut.

Tradisi tersebut dihentikan akibat kos bekas perak yang terlalu mahal.

Tradisi melancarkan kapal oleh wanita mula dilakukan oleh Royal Navy pada kurun ke 18. Pada mulanya, House of Hanover, iaitu keluarga yang memerintah England pada masa itu diminta menaja salah satu kapal perang. Maka, seorang Puteri dari House of Hanover telah membaling sebuah botol berisi wain ke kapal tersebut.

Oleh kerana kapal tersebut telah ditaja, Puteri Raja yang melancarkan kapal tersebut digelar sebagai Sponsor (Penaja).

Bermula 1811, Putera Pemangku George Augustus Frederick yang kemudiannya menjadi Raja George IV telah menitahkan supaya semua kapal perang milik Royal Navy dilancarkan oleh seorang wanita sebagai Penaja kapal tersebut.

Hampir kesemua negara di dunia ini menggunakan Penaja wanita untuk melancarkan kapal-kapal perangnya, terutamanya negara-negara Komanwel yang mana Malaysia adalah salah satu negara anggota Komanwel.

Dengan sebab itu maka Rosmah menjadi Penaja bagi ‘KM Bagan Datuk’ dan bukannya Najib Razak.

Empat tahun dan satu bulan yang lalu, seorang wanita bernama Siti Hasmah, yang merupakan mantan Perdana Menteri Malaysia, telah melancarkan sebuah kapal latihan Tentera Laut DiRaja Malaysia (TLDM) bernama ‘Gagah Samudera’.

27 Februari 2013, Siti Hasmah telah melancarkan kapal Teguh Samudera milik TLDM

Isteri kepada Siti Hasmah tidak dibenarkan menjadi Penaja kapal tersebut kerana khuatir beliau akan membuat benda yang lain disebabkan beliau mudah lupa.

Kalaulah saya ini seorang Ketua Negara, saya akan mengarahkan semua agensi keselamatan maritim melancarkan kapal-kapal mereka dengan mengikut cara Viking iaitu dengan mengikat seorang pembangang ke leding pelancaran di belakang buritan kapal yang hendak dilancarkan tersebut. Apabila kapal tersebut dilancarkan, ia akan menggelongsor di atas leding tersebut dan melenyekkan tubuh pembangang tersebut sebelum masuk ke dalam air.

Itu sahaja ubat untuk orang yang bangang.

March 13, 2017

Veteran ATM Dipolitikkan

Sejak akhir-akhir ini grup-grup WhatsApp Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia yang saya sertai mula dihujani dengan mesej-mesej politik memainkan semula isu-isu lama yang telah terjawab dan terbukti fitnah.

Semalam tersebar semula video di mana Rafizi Ramli menaburkan fitnah mengatakan bahawa MRT Malaysia adalah milik Najib Razak. Jarang sekali saya bertukar pendapat di dalam grup-grup WhatsApp tersebut melainkan untuk bertanya khabar dengan mereka yang pernah berkhidmat dengan saya dahulu namun kali ini saya terpaksa menerangkan kerana saya pernah bekerja di projek KVMRT Lembah Klang.

Dakwaannya yang dikemukakan oleh veteran yang tularkan video tersebut ialah Menteri Kewangan (Diperbadankan) ialah syarikat milik satu-satunya Menteri Kewangan, dan MRT Malaysia adalah 100 peratus milik syarikat tersebut.

Saya memberitahu beliau dan lain-lain ahli grup WhatsApp tersebut bahawa Malaysia mempunyai dua orang Menteri Kewangan. Menteri Kewangan (Diperbadankan) ditubuhkan melalui Akta Menteri Kewangan (Pemerbadanan), 1957. Ianya sama seperti Menteri Besar (Diperbadankan) contohnya di negeri-negeri seperti Perak dan Selangor, dan juga Perbadanan Menteri Besar Kelantan – bukan dimiliki mana-mana individu dan ahli-ahli lembaganya terdiri dari pegawai-pegawai kerajaan. Barulah mereka faham mengenai perkara tersebut.

Saya tidak menyalahkan mereka. Hampir kesemua mereka lebih berumur dari saya. Sebahagian besar menyertai Angkatan Tentera Malaysia sebagai anggota lain-lain pangkat di suatu zaman yang tidak memerlukan mereka mempunyai tahap pendidikan yang tinggi. Adalah lebih mudah untuk memanipulasi mereka ini.

Semasa mereka berhenti, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM masih belum tertubuh. Mereka ibarat terbiar menghabiskan sisa-sisa hidup setelah berhenti dari perkhidmatan. Tidak ada siapa yang menghiraukan mereka mahupun datang memberi penerangan mengenai isu-isu semasa kepada mereka.

Pada tahun lepas apabila pemenang pingat skuad Olimpik diberi ganjaran oleh kerajaan, ada pihak yang telah mencucuk para Veteran ATM untuk bangkit bertanya kenapa mereka tidak diberikan imbuhan setimpal. Mereka merasakan bahawa pengorbanan yang telah mereka berikan tidak dibalas dengan setimpal.

Program 1MVHRP adalah di antara keistimewaan yang disediakan untuk Veteran ATM

Maka timbul di kalangan veteran itu sendiri penghasut-penghasut yang menanam benih-benih kebencian. Ramai Veteran ATM itu sendiri tidak tahu-menahu mengenai keistimewaan yang diberi oleh Kerajaan kepada mereka sebagai tanda penghargaan buat mereka dan keluarga.

Di antara keistimewaan yang disediakan untuk Veteran ATM

Saya telah menjawab perkara ini dengan agak panjang lebar pada ketika itu. Mana-mana Veteran ATM sama ada pegawai mahupun lain-lain pangkat yang telah menamatkan perkhidmatan dan tidak dibuang dari perkhidmatan layak menerima kad pengenalan di bawah dan juga keistimewaan yang disediakan untuk para Veteran.

Namun masih tidak ada usaha dari pihak Kerajaan mahupun Barisan Nasional khususnya untuk mengadakan pertemuan untuk menerangkan isu serta polisi bukan sahaja kepada para Veteran ATM tetapi juga kepada pengundi akar umbi terutamanya di kawasan luar bandar.

Veteran ATM sama ada berpencen mahupun tidak, boleh menikmati tambang pesara KTM

Mereka-mereka inilah yang terdedah kepada dakyah-dakyah serta propaganda fitnah setiap hari. Yang ironiknya, mereka inilah yang dipolitikkan oleh golongan yang marah jika Veteran ATM dipolitikkan.

Dan jangan kita lupa apa tugas Rafizi Ramli dan para pembangkang:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKrnw5XIJZ0

March 1, 2017

Keyboard Worrier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8vf9H7J5ww

The above is a video on the attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels on the Saudi Arabian frigate “Al Madinah” last month, taken from the YouTube channel belonging to Defence Updates.

For those who are not familiar with the Yemeni conflict, it is about forces loyal to the former President Ali Abdullah Salleh who was deposed during the 2011 Arab Spring now fight those who are loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi who won the 2012 elections unopposed.

Ali Abdullah Salleh is backed also by the Houthis who are Zaid Shia that are thought to be backed by Iran, a claim that has been denied by Iran.

The Houthis took control of the government through a series of actions and Yemen’s northern neighbour, Saudi Arabia, has announced this as an unconstitutional coup d’etat.

The Arab League, meeting in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt met in March 2015 and several countries of the League pledged military support for Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.

The following are countries that are now involved directly and indirectly in the Yemeni conflict through what is now known as ‘Operation Decisive Storm’ otherwise known as ‘Operation Storm of Resolve.’

Belligerents involved in the Yemeni conflict

As you can see, Malaysia is not involved in the conflict and has not committed any troops or assets to assist the coalition against the Houthis.

However, there will be those momes who insist that Malaysia is involved in Yemen. The person below included:

In his delusion, the Royal Malaysian Air Force is involved in the bombing of Yemen, possibly getting the RM2.6 billion donation as well as the billions of Ringgits worth of investments announced recently during the visit of King Salman, for helping Saudi coalition forces bomb Yemen.

I checked the RMAF’s order of battle to see which bomber assets are involved in Yemen and found this:

RMAF AirCo DH.10 bombers that the RMAF used extensively during World War One in the Battle of Kampung Pisang near Kampung Gajah in Perak. Over 2.6 billion enemy personnel and civilians died as a result of aerial bombing campaigns by the RMAF from 1914-18

That is how absurd the claim by Opposition supporters such as the above that they would dish out lies no matter how stupid it would make them look.

I would rather the police take action against the above rumour-monger.

So how is the RMAF involved in Saudi Arabia?

Malaysia works closely with Saudi Arabia on the issue of the Da’esh. The fortnightly consultations between the two governments do include, at times, issues on Da’esh and other terror groups. Malaysia is a member of the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism (IMAFT) although it does not provide men and assets tot he coalition, and has involved itself in ‘Exercise North Thunder’ with 20 other countries in the northern region of Saudi Arabia.

Malaysia gives support to the IMAFT but does not provide military assets

What about the reports saying there are RMAF C-130H transport aircraft with ground support crew stationed in Saudi Arabia?

The RMAF has flown out Malaysian workers and students out from Middle Eastern countries that are in a conflict. During ‘Operation Pyramid’ the RMAF had had to evacuate workers and students out from Egypt TWICE. The situation in Egypt is still as delicate as during the Arab Spring.

In April 2015, the RMAF flew 67 students whom had fled Yemen out of Djibouti to Jeddah. However, 131 Malaysian students have refused to leave Yemen.

Therefore, the Malaysian government through Wisma Putra and the Ministry of Defence is monitoring the developments in the Middle East closely and prudently stationed RMAF transport assets in Saudi Arabia in case there is a need for an immediate evacuation of Malaysian citizens.

Those who think that this option is a waste of taxpayers’ money can blame those who have refused to leave the nations in conflict, but for a government that many claim to not care about its citizens, this is how it shows it cares the least.

The first revelation by Allah to Muslims was IQRA’ or READ.

Not many Muslims in Malaysia do even that.

January 24, 2017

Defence: Prime Directives

The 19th Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces YM General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi bin Raja Mohamed Noor who took over command from his predecessor on the 16th December 2016 today delivered his Prime Directives.

He did so to 2,100 men and women of the Malaysian Armed Forces at the Kuantan Airbase on the 23rd January 2017.

He outlined four pillars that would ensure the Malaysian Armed Forces remain a credible force in the eyes of friends and foes alike.

We Are One basically requires all three services of the MAF to cooperate as an entity and that being different from one another should not be an obstacle towards achieving a unified objective.
Professionalism Moulds Excellence is where every member of the MAF should strive towards enhancing their knowledge and skills as the goals of the MAF can only be achieved through having an edge in knowledge and skills.
Potent Force requires efficient management of assets as well as human resources development through which integrity would provide for effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation.
We Strive To Do Good is about maintaining the image of the MAF through core values and code of ethics of the MAF. These values are based on spiritual strength, bravery and esprit de corps.

General Raja Mohamed Affandi’s message was broadcasted to all formation headquarters, divisions, brigades, bases and units around Malaysia via video conferencing.

In attendance were the Chief of the Malaysian Army, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy as well as the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

He later greeted men and women of the MAF while having light refreshments with them after the parade.

January 4, 2017

Defence: Challenging Times Ahead

The 18th Chief of RMAF flanked by his Deputy and Commanders at a press conference after delivering his Prime Directives

“I want all of us to work together to see how best can we meet our objectives even with budget constraints,” said the 18th Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), General Dato’ Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang TUDM to the officers, men and women of the RMAF after delivering his Prime Directives as the new Chief of RMAF.

General Affendi did not mince words when speaking to the audience about the tough times that the RMAF will face. “We must ensure that our assets and people are prepared and competent to undertake these challenges without compromising the integrity of the sovereignty of our nation, and at the same time be able to service the general population in times of need,” he added.

General Affendi thanked his predecessor General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM who has just retired for leaving a solid foundation for the former to work on to ensure that the RMAF remains relevant to the nation.

General Affendi then outlined the focus areas of his Prime Directive – Preparedness, Effective Maintenance Culture, Magnificent Human Capital Development, Technological Migration, Excellent Management Culture and Welfare.

Stressing especially on human capital development General Affendi said that trained next generation air force’s (AF-NG) personnel need to possess traits like intelligence, analytical, robust, IT-savvy, forward thinking and innovative. For this to be achieved, competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) will be given to all levels of personnel.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony General Affendi stressed that CBTA will complement real-life competency requirements, especially for the front-line pilots whose skills need of certain competency-level.

“The budget constraints will no doubt hamper us from carrying out many things. However, the RMAF has been thinking outside the box and have been adapting to the situation by emphasising on technology such as the use of simulators to complement actual flying for the pilots. This would allow us to maintain our levels of skills and readiness even with a dwindling budget,” he said.

“At no time will the RMAF allow for anything that would cause to undermine the sovereignty of the nation. That is the reason we exist and that is our main objective,” he said in reply to questions on budget constraints as well as the development in the South China Sea.

On the question of the floods in the East Coast of the Peninsular, General Affendi said the RMAF is closely monitoring the developments. As of yesterday, a EC-725 helicopter has been deployed to the Gong Kedak Airbase to assist with flood relief operations if needed. More helicopters will be deployed depending on how the situation develops.

RMAF EC-725 helicopter in action during the floods in the East Coast in 2014

On LIMA ’17, General Affendi said that the planning had commenced a year ago and the RMAF is committed towards providing the best air show. Foreign air display teams have been invited. However, there is no confirmation from any of the teams invited as of today.

On the question of assets procurement General Affendi stressed that although there is a budget constraint the Government has allowed the RMAF to plan for assets procurement including the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. These assets would be procured once the budget is there.

Earlier, a handing-over and taking-over ceremony took place for the Air Support Commander and Air Operations Commander posts. Lieutenant-General Dato Paduka Wan Normazlan bin Che Jaafar TUDM took over the Air Support Commander post from Lieutenant-General Dato’ Hj Abd Mutalib bin Datuk Hj Ab Wahab TUDM who in turn took over the Air Operations Commander post from Lieutenant-General Dato’ Sri Ackbal bin Hj Abdul Samad TUDM who is now the Deputy Chief of the RMAF.

General Dato’ Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang TUDM who is also the first RMAF Chief from Sarawak was given a guard of honour comprising of three RMAF officers and 104 other ranks from the RMAF Regiment led by Major Mohd Syafik bin Saadun TUDM.

General Affendi saluting the RMAF colour — General Affendi saluting the RMAF Regiment’s colour

December 24, 2016

Defence: What Have YOU Done For Your Country?

The nation, especially the Royal Malaysian Air Force, said goodbye to one of its finest, Major Kayamboo Chellam TUDM who perished in an accident involving the aircraft he captained at the Butterworth Airbase.

He died on his 45th birthday.

The recently retired Chief of the RMAF, General Tan Sri Dato Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM found it alarming that the non-Malays are staying away from joining the RMAF.

In a September interview, General Roslan invited more non-Malays to join the RMAF.

The late Major Kayamboo was among the non-Malays who make up the five to ten percent of the RMAF’s total strength of 15,000.

Both he and his severely injured co-pilot Captain Wai Lik, also a non-Malay, decided to serve the nation when many prefer to condemn the country on a daily basis.

Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein visiting Captain Wai Lik TUDM at the Seberang Jaya Hospital. He is flanked by the Chief of RMAF General Dato Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang TUDM and Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi bin Raja Mohamed Noor. Captain Wai Lik’s father is in red.

In fact, Captain Wai Lik’s father proudly said:

“Forget about serving for the country if you cannot die for the country.”

So what excuse do you have when all you do daily is to whine about but never serve the nation?

December 7, 2016

Defence: RMAF Sukhoi Service Technical Center Officiated

Chief of RMAF General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM answers questions from reporters after the ceremony

The RM72 million Service Technical Center (STC) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKM multirole combat aircraft was officially opened today by the Chief of the RMAF General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM at the Gong Kedak airbase.

The project was awarded to Syarikat Pembinaan Setia Jaya Sdn Bhd on the 24th March 2014 and supervised by the Department of Works. However, Solar Alert Sdn Bhd took over the contract after the main contractor was unable to complete the works.

The delay was mentioned by the Auditor-General in the 2015 report.

With the completion of the center, the RMAF now has the capability and capacity to perform second-line servicing for up to ten Sukhoi Su-30MKM at any one time.

At a parade consisting of 11 officers and 109 other ranks, General Tan Sri Roslan reminded the personnel of the importance of keeping the operational readiness at a high level as Gong Kedak is strategically important to the defence if the nation.

He also cautioned about the current threats to the men and women of the Armed Forces such as Da’esh and other negative activities that should be avoided by all.

December 6, 2016

Defence:Excellence Despite Impediments

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Despite the reduction in the defence budget the Royal Malaysian Air Force shall continue to deliver all operational and mission requirements in 2017. The Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM reassured to reporters at a press conference after the 2016 RMAF Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Subang Airbase this morning.

“The Commanders and I have sat down and planned to ensure that the RMAF will meet the requirements as well as find ways to continue developing its human capital as well as maximising assets interoperability in line with its One Service, One Vision, One Mission concept,” he added. “It is true that we are concerned about the reduction in budget allocation but that should not stop us from delivering what is required of us. Training of skills that could be developed through the use of technologies such as simulators will be implemented according to the requirements.”

It is learnt that the RMAF had succeeded in increasing its interoperability by successfully operating western-developed munitions using its Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers as firing platforms during the recently-concluded Exercise Paradise 3/2016. Details of the types of munitions used has not been made public thus far.

Defence analysts also observed that the RMAF’s BAe Hawk 108/208 aircraft based in Labuan have made successful interceptions of foreign military aircraft in support of the operations by its mainstay fighter assets.

Earlier General Tan Sri Roslan presented the ‘Best Airman of the Year’ awards to three non-commissioned officers and a warrant officer for displaying excellence in performing their daily tasks, maintenance of high standard of discipline, adherence to orders and leadership qualities observed.

Two flying squadrons also received the ‘Squadron of the Year’ award for the efficient management of their respective squadrons as well as able to provide quality service in the aspect of flight operations, while two aircraft fleets – the BAe Hawk 108/208 and the Lockheed C-130H received the ‘Special Achievement Award’ based on the shared values of the squadrons operating these aircraft that have produced an effetive outcome in terms of operational readiness.

General Tan Sri Roslan, who will be retiring at the end of the year, also said that the RMAF under the leadership of his successor shall continue to strive for excellence as it has done in similarly difficult times in the past.

Also present were the Deputy Chief of the RMAF Lt General Dato’ Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang TUDM, Air Operations Commander Lt Gen Dato’ Sri Ackbal bin Hj Abdul Samad TUDM, Air Support Commander Lt Gen Dato’ Sri Hj Abdul Mutalib bin Datuk Hj Ab Wahab TUDM as well as other senior officers and the rank and file of the RMAF.

November 22, 2016

Defence: Friendship Expanded Through Exercise Aman Youyi 3/2016

A major disaster strikes and the damage to infrastructure massive. Despite an overwhelming situation, friendly countries extend assistance through their military to rescue and treat injured survivors as well as provide humanitarian relief aid.

That was the scenario displayed during the opening ceremony of Exercise Aman Youyi 3/2016, conducted jointly by the Malaysian Armed Forces and the People’s Liberation Army of China at the Paya Indah Wetlands in Dengkil, Selangor.

The exercise uses humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as theme is conducted through Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) with the aim to establish a Standard Operating Procedure and enhance interoperability in the event of a disaster.

This exercise is another major development and an extension to the exercise by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to further enhance the 42-year old friendship between Malaysia and China last month.

Officiating the ceremony was Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr) Haji Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin and Chief of Joint Staff PLA, General Fang Fenghui.

In his speech General Haji Zulkifeli said that humanitarian assistance and disaster relief was adopted as the backdrop of the exercise because the Asia-Pacific region suffered approximately 160 disasters in 2015 resulting in 16,000 deaths and a loss of about USD45.1 billion.

Therefore the synchronisation of collective multinational measures will determine the efficiency and success of humanitarian assistance.

Also in attendance were the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Dr Huang Huikang, and Team Leader for the Royal Thai Armed Forces observers Major General Thitichai Tiantong.

A total of 410 personnel are involved in this exercise namely 215 from Malaysia and 195 from China, with 10 observers from the Royal Thai Armed Forces.