KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces
(ATM) plans to acquire long-range cruise missiles, Deputy Defence
Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin said.
However, he said, the purchase would take into account the
government's financial position and sensitivities of
neighbouring countries. 
"ATM has both short and long-term planning to enhance its fire
power through the acquisition of high-tech weapons," he told the
Dewan Rakyat today when replying to Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh
(BN-Putatan) during question time.
He said ATM would take delivery of rocket launchers, PT91 battle
tanks, Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets, Batch 2 frigates and Scorpene
submarines.
Zainal Abidin said the government was satisfied with ATM's arsenal
meant to defend the country.
Responding to Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (BN-Kota Baharu), he said it was
important to nurture knowledgeable human capital before the country
could manufacture high-tech weapons.
This, he said, was being done through the establishment of the
National Defence University.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=271243
