00:00Today we are celebrating a friendship and strategic partnership that continues to grow stronger
00:20between Malaysia and Japan, especially with the handover of this UAV under the Japan's Official Security Assistance, OSA.
00:35This ceremony is more than just a transfer of equipment.
00:40It is a testament to trust, solidarity, and a shared vision between the two countries.
00:53One that strengthens the operational readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces
01:01and surely will contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity across our region.
01:10And to Your Excellency, I wish to inform you, give you our assurance that in our defense white paper mid-term review,
01:27we had reaffirmed Malaysia's unwavering commitment to deepening defense engagement, especially with Japan.
01:38So we expect more of this kind of collaboration between the two countries.
01:45A major milestone came during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Japan in December 2023,
01:54when Malaysia-Japan relations were elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership.
02:05As part of that visit, the exchange of notes for the official security assistance was signed,
02:14which became a reflection of Japan's enduring commitment to our security and stability.
02:24Through OSA, Japan provides non-lethal equipment to support the Malaysian Armed Forces
02:38to enhance their operational capabilities in regional security and stability.
02:46Under OSA 2023, Malaysia is very honored to be among the first beneficiaries alongside Philippines, Bangladesh, and Fiji.
03:01So we thank you, Japan, for this honor.
03:05With an allocation of approximately 12.63 million ringgit, 400 million yen,
03:16the Malaysian Armed Forces will receive a total of 14 vertical take-off and landing UAVs and seven rescue boats.
03:29Of the 14 UAVs, six will be to the Malaysian Army, another six to the Royal Malaysian Navy,
03:41and two to the Defense Cyber and Electromagnetic Division.
03:48Several units have been received, while the remainder, I'm told, are on the way.
03:55In addition, two road cleaning trucks are currently in tendering stage
04:01and will further complement this assistance package once completed.
04:08Equally important is the investment in capacity building.
04:13Hence, I'm delighted to share that in May this year,
04:1512 of the Malaysian Armed Forces officers had completed UAV training in Japan.
04:26Soon, further training will be conducted at Teluk Sepangga and Lokkawi
04:32in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and Paya Jaras in Sengai Buloh, Selangor.
04:39The training will ensure our personnel are fully ready and capable to operate this advanced technology.
04:51Looking ahead, we are deeply encouraged that Japan has already identified
04:58Malaysia as a potential recipient under OSA 2025.
05:03So, we thank you for our anticipation because you have already announced
05:11that Malaysia will receive for next year.
05:14So, thank you very much.
Comments