Security analyst says it is no different to western countries selling arms but suggests parliamentary oversight be made compulsory for huge military purchases.
Robin Augustin
PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya may be more inclined to purchase arms from China given its “over reliance” on Chinese money for multi-billion ringgit mega-projects.
A retired brigadier-general said this in the wake of reports that China was seeking to supply weapons and other military equipment to Malaysia.
Speaking to FMT, Mohd Arshad Raji said the reports should come as no surprise.
“Given the increasingly warm ties and influx of Chinese money in the country, it would be natural for the government to buy more arms and military equipment from Beijing,” Arshad said.
Chinese investments in mega-infrastructure and property development projects, such as the RM55 billion East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the RM43 billion Melaka Gateway among others, have raised questions about Malaysia’s security and neutrality in a region which is being closely watched by the world’s superpowers.
Arshad said traditionally, Malaysia bought weapons and military equipment from western countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, and he believed that a shift towards buying arms from China could affect Malaysia’s bilateral trade with the US and UK.
“But my biggest concern is that a pivot towards China in terms of defence could affect our neutrality and military ties with our traditional western allies.
“China is adopting an aggressive and dominant stance, particularly in the South China Sea, where it is increasing its military presence.”
Arshad also voiced concern that a greater dependence on Chinese arms and military equipment could open the doors for China to spread its military doctrine in Malaysia.
“Malaysia, being a Commonwealth country, has been more inclined towards a western military doctrine.
“In essence, a military doctrine acts as a guide to help us standardise our operations. It represents our central beliefs and principles on how war should be waged.”
Arshad said he wasn’t sure China’s military doctrine was suited for Malaysia.
Read the full story at Free Malaysia Today