Rescue Operation on Missing USS John McCain Sailors

The recent incident involving USS John S. McCain in the waters off Pulau Batu Putih (also known as Pedra Branca by Singapore) underscores the dangers faced by navies and merchants alike.

The collision to my knowledge is the second involving navies and merchant vessels in the area.

Sino - Singapore Relationship - Geopolitical Minefield

Last week, my eyes caught some news about a shipment of armoured personnel carriers from Taiwan to Singapore being seized by Hong Kong Port authority, Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB).  At first, the news did not trigger much of my attention as I am in midst of preparing for exam.

Terrex. Photo credit - Singapore MINDEF

Defence Asset Procurement Policy - Threats - Part 2

Note: In the previous article, we have explored some of the procurement methods that are in practiced in several countries, including our own.  We also explored how failure to monitor procurement issue had led to a weakened RMN. 

Disclaimer:
Information shared in this article could not be independently verified.  And even if it has been independently verified, I do not and will not identify them to protect individuals who have and may have shared these information with me.

Tun Hussein Onn

Military procurement doctrine is largely driven by threats that a country is facing.  Malaysia does not run far from this.  As mentioned in the first instalment of this article, the invasion threat and the Domino Effect theory had convinced our defence planners back then to convince then Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn (father to the current Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein).

Son, Datuk Seri Hishammudin Tun Hussein

In fact, understanding the threat that Malaysia is facing today should be the driving reason in formulating a defence assets procurement policy to ensure that our defence forces stay current and is able to counter potential threats.

There are 2 forms of threats to a nation; external and internal threat.