Nation above self: Navy’s first Malaysian Admiral honoured at milestone birthday

 

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam who turned 90 on March 12, poses with his book The Admiral’s Reflections. - Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Architect of modern naval defence Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri K. Thanabalasingam feted by veterans as he turns 90

KLANG — Nearly 300 former naval officers, veterans and their families gathered for a commemorative dinner hosted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Veterans Association to honour the first admiral of the RMN, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam, on his 90th birthday. Held at a restaurant in Klang, the event paid tribute to Thanabalasingam’s pioneering role in shaping Malaysia’s naval force, with guests spanning generations of servicemen who had served under or alongside him.

The event also coincided with the RMN’s 92nd Anniversary which falls on April 27.

In a nod to naval heritage, each table at the dinner was named after ships from the RMN fleet, including KD Lekir, KD Hang Tuah and KD Kasturi. The VIP table bore the name KD Indera Sakti, a vessel that gained prominence in the late 2000s for its role in safeguarding merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden during the height of Somali piracy.

Thanabalasingam, visibly moved by the turnout, expressed his gratitude to the attendees, many of whom were former colleagues and officers.

“I am deeply touched to see so many familiar faces gathered here tonight,” he said. 

In a lighter moment, he drew laughter from the crowd when he quipped that he attributed his longevity to never having married.

 Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam giving his speech at the dinner in his honour. – Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Born on March 12, 1936 in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, Thanabalasingam became the first Malaysian to be appointed Admiral of the RMN.

That was in 1967, where at the age of 31 he had the distinction of being the youngest and only non-Bumiputera to hold that position.

“We served our country with pride and distinction,” Thanabalasingam told the audience. 

Then he quipped poignantly: “They may have forgotten who we were, but we know who we are.”

“We shall always cherish ourselves as patriots who made the decision very early in our lives, to put country above self,” he said, commanding his men to “maintain comradeship wherever we are”.

Warrant Officer 1 (Retired) Krishna Subrayan who served under Thanabalasingam when the latter was the Resident Navy Officer in Tawau said his former Boss was strict but fair, treating all his men equally.

“He was colour-blind,” he said, explaining that despite being an ethnic minority in the navy, Thanabalasingam never demonstrated favouritism towards other minorities. 

“He is a Jack-of-all-trades and an expert in underwater missiles. He knew everything about a ship and naval warfare,” he said, alluding to Thanabalasingam’s fast rise in the ranks.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam cuts his 90th birthday cake.– Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Chairman of the Organising Committee Capt (Rtd) Martin Sebastian said Thanabalasingam deserved appreciation as the chief architect of the country’s modern maritime defence.

“He gave everything to the navy even after his compulsory retirement. He continues to write in the media on Maritime Security and his expertise is still appreciated.

“I am happy that some of the guests brought their children with them. Future generations need to know about the contributions and sacrifices of those who helped in nation building,” Sebastian said.

The evening also featured his book, The Admiral’s Reflections, a compilation of his personal experiences and insights from his years of service in the navy.

Widely regarded as a key architect of the country’s modern naval defence, Thanabalasingam is credited with laying the groundwork for its development, including the establishment of the Lumut Naval Base, which remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s maritime defence infrastructure.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr K Thanabalasingam (in white batik, second from right) and Organisating Committee Chairman Capt (Rtd) Martin Sebastian (right) standing at attention to the navy song “Samudera Raya”. – Scoop pic, April 27, 2026

Thanabalasingam spoke of the significance of why the dinner was held in Klang.

“When we were ordered to vacate our base in Singapore, Port Klang was the first political choice. 

“I was not in favour of it due to the commercial aspects of it and the fact that Port Klang’s growth will eventually hinder our base expansion. 

“Eventually, on my advice, the Government agreed for Lumut to become our principal Naval Base,” he said.

“Look at us today. We have made Lumut Naval Base something to be proud of and a good springboard for operations in the Andaman and Indian Ocean.” – April 27, 2026

Editor’s note: The book can be purchased by contacting Lt. Rashwin at 011-10818990

VETERAN MAF - PVATM , GABUNGAN PERSATUAN VETERAN ATM

SIAPA Veteran Malaysia?

Berdasarkan Akta Veteran Angkatan Tentera 2012 (Akta 740), gelaran Veteran di Malaysia secara undang-undang khusus merujuk kepada warganegara Malaysia yang pernah berkhidmat sepenuh masa dalam Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dan diberhentikan secara sah. 

Siapa yang Layak:

* Bekas anggota tetap ATM.

* Bekas anggota sukarela yang dikerah sepenuh masa oleh ATM.

* Bekas anggota Force 136.

* Bekas tentera British yang berkhidmat di Malaya, Malaysia, atau Singapura.

* Bekas Sarawak Rangers. 


Syarat Kelayakan:

1. Diberhentikan secara sah: Tamat tempoh perkhidmatan (TTP), tamat jaminan perkhidmatan (TJP), atau bersara dengan baik.

2. Bukan kesalahan disiplin: Mereka yang dibuang kerana kesalahan disiplin berat tidak layak diiktiraf sebagai veteran rasmi.

Kategori Veteran di Malaysia:

* Veteran Berpencen: Telah berkhidmat dalam tempoh yang melayakkan (biasanya 20-21 tahun).

* Veteran Tidak Berpencen: Berhenti awal (kontrak tamat/berhenti dengan baik) tanpa pencen perkhidmatan.

* Veteran Kurang Upaya: Anggota yang bersara atas sebab kesihatan. 

Istilah "Veteran" ini tidak terpakai kepada pesara perkhidmatan awam lain (guru, polis, dll) di bawah undang-undang ini, sebaliknya khusus untuk bekas anggota tentera.

Veteran Adalah Semata-Mata Untuk Kakitangan Tentera. Agensi Kerajaan Tidak Boleh Diberikan Status Veteran. Walau Bagaimanapun, Bekas Anggota Tentera Yang Menyertai Agensi Masih Diklasifikasikan Sebagai Veteran contohnya anggota APMM.

APMM VETERAN Launching ceremony

Gabungan Persatuan Veteran

Berkenaan Dengan organisasi Baharu ini , Setakat Ini Beberapa Maklumat masih Longgar dan belum di kongsi.

 Soalan Yang Timbul:

 1) Adakah GPV Persatuan Seperti RMNOA - sebuah kelab dalam persatuan?

 2) Adakah GPV akan  Berdaftar Secara Rasmi Dengan JHEV.

 3) Adakah Perhimpunan Di Banggi Baru-Baru Ini Merupakan perjumpaan Yang Julung Kali Diadakan antara berbelas Persatuan dan kelab veteran ATM.

 4) Pengumuman Jawatan Tertinggi Baru-Baru Ini Dipilih oleh wakil-wakil Persatuan.

 5) Keahlian Adalah Secara Langsung Atau Oleh Organisasi masih belum diputuskan.

Apakah Visi, Matlamat, Objektif, Misi (Tugas & Tujuan) Yang Ditetapkan , masih lagi di tangan AJK baru dilantik.

 

JHEV Tidak Mahu Berurusan Dengan beratus  Persatuan Veteran Secara Langsung Dan Gabungan Adalah Jawatankuasa Yang Mewakili Semua Veteran Dalam Berurusan Dengan Jhev.  Jawatankuasa Pro Temp Telah Dibentuk Oleh JHEV.

 Gabungan Adalah Sebuah Jawatankuasa Dan Bukan Sebuah Organisasi.

 Gabungan Akan Menjadi Suara Tunggal Yang Diselaraskan Dalam Isu-Isu Yang Berkaitan Dengan Kepentingan Veteran.

 Seperti Yang Kita Sedia Maklum, Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK) Telah Ditubuhkan Hasil Daripada Pelaksanaan Akta Veteran 2012. Menhan Adalah Pengerusinya.

 Dalam Mesyuaratnya Tahun Lepas, Salah Satu Agenda Yang Dibincangkan Dan Diluluskan Ialah Penubuhan Majlis Tertinggi Gabungan Persatuan Veteran Atm.

 Idea Ini Sebenarnya Ditimbulkan Oleh Golongan Veteran Sendiri. Ia Bermula Dengan PVATM, RAFOC (Kedua-Duanya Ahli MVK) Dan Beberapa Persatuan Lain Dan Mereka Telah Mengadakan Beberapa Mesyuarat Gabungan Sebelum Idea Itu Dikemukakan Kepada MVK.

 Terdahulu Sebelum Idea Gabungan Dicetuskan, Terdapat Sekumpulan Veteran  Yang Dikenali Sebagai "Suara Veteran SV)". Kumpulan Ini Kebanyakannya Terdiri Daripada Veteran Tentera Udara Yang Diketuai Oleh Bgd Abdullah, Yang Ketika Itu Merupakan SUK Kepada PVTUDM. Beliau Mempunyai Dua Peguam, Lt Kol Jalil Dan Mej Mior Dalam Jawatankuasanya.

 Bagaimanapun, SV Tidak Diiktiraf Oleh JHEV Kerana Bertindak Seperti Kumpulan Pendesak Terhadap Kerajaan. Mereka Tidak sesuai Dalam Ekosistem Veteran. 

 Namun Begitu, SV mempunyai  Sedikit Sebanyak jasa kepada veteran. Mereka Telah Membawa Isu Veteran ATM Ke Peringkat Yang Lebih Tinggi. Tiada Siapa Yang Mengendahkan Mereka Kerana Ia Bukan Badan Yang  diikhtiraf dan Yang Dibenarkan Oleh JHEV. Gabungan, Adalah Metafora Untuk SV.

 

Gabungan tersusun dengan baik.

 Ia diketuai oleh seorang presiden dan dibantu oleh seorang timbalan presiden.

 Terdapat tiga VP, tentera darat, tentera laut dan tentera udara. Sebanyak 20 ajk lain telah diperbadankan.

 Dalam keputusan undian semalam, Presiden PVATM, Kapt Dato Sharudin telah dipilih sebagai Presiden. Dia menewaskan DS Aziz, yang merupakan Presiden RAFOC dengan kira-kira 100 undi. Ds merupakan pengerusi protem yang dilantik oleh JHEV sejak tahun lepas. Kekalahan ini adalah pukulan hebat kepada protem yang disenangi JHEV.

 Timbalan Presiden pula dimenangi dari PVTLDM ,  iaitu Dato Musa Omar.

SIAPA GABUNGAN 

 1. Ia adalah satu-satunya platform utama untuk veteran bersuara. Pada masa lalu, JHEV atau PVATM perlu memanggil wakil daripada semua persatuan yang berdaftar untuk berkumpul (dalam format persidangan meja bulat) untuk mendapatkan resolusi tertentu untuk penyerahan ke peringkat lebih tinggi.

 Yang pertama ialah perumusan blue print veteran , yang diterima pakai oleh JHEV/ mindef.

 Selepas itu, terdapat beberapa lagi dialog/persidangan besar yang akan dipanggil oleh JHEV .

 2. Bantu persatuan veteran yang lebih kecil untuk meningkatkan kecekapan mereka.

 3. Tingkatkan usaha dalam meningkatkan kerja-kerja kebajikan.

 4. Menyebarkan secara berkesan program kerajaan untuk veteran.

 5. Bertindak sebagai ejen untuk menyatukan persatuan veteran.

 Sebagai kesimpulan, saya tidak nampak mudaratnya , sebaliknya, semua faedah yang akan datang sepanjang perjalanan.

Persoalan mengapa terlalu banyak persatuan dan hampir kebanyakkannya tidak aktif. 

Adakah akaun mereka di audit setiap tahun.

adakah mereka menghantar laporan kepada JHEV.

Jika jawapannya TIDAK maka tidak hairanlah banyak Persatuan di tubuhkan.

Perkara 05 Adalah Tidak Perlu Kerana Ia Bukan Sahaja Berlebihan Tetapi Akan Merampas Kuasa Dan Kapasiti PVATM Pusat. Perkara 05 Ini Hendaklah Diubah Supaya Berbunyi:”Perwakilan Dalam Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK) Untuk Mengetengahkan Perjuangan Veteran”. 

Seterusnya, Akta Veteran 2012 Mesti Dipatuhi. Akta Veteran 2012, Bahagian 11, Seksyen 3, Sub-Seksyen 3(2)(E) Memperuntukkan Bahawa Keahlian Majlis Veteran Kebangsaan (MVK), Yang Diketuai Oleh Menteri Pertahanan, Hendaklah Termasuk Sekurang-Kurangnya Dua (2) Tetapi Tidak Lebih Daripada Lima (5) “Veteran”. Oleh Itu,  Lima (5) Bilet Ahli Ini Hendaklah Diisi Oleh Presiden (1) PVATM Pusat (2) PVTDM Pusat (3) PVTLDM Pusat (4) PVTUDM Pusat, Dan (5) Setiausaha PVATM Pusat. Kelima-Lima AJK Ini Akan Menjadi Penggerak Untuk Menuntut Kepentingan Veteran.

There have been cases when JHEV, which comprise serving MAF officers, side with the Government/Defence Minister against the veterans’ interest. These five veteran members in the MVK shall counter.

Buat masa ini MVK  Terdiri Daripada 4 Ahli Tetap Dan 5 Ahli Dilantik.

 Ahli Tetap:

 1. Menhan (Pengerusi)

 2. Ksu (Kerusi Dy)

 3. Aks Pa

 4. Kp Jhev (Sek)

 Ahli Yang Dilantik:

 1. Pat

 2. Pres RAFOC

 3. Pres PVATM

 4. Dy Pres PVTUDM

 5. PVATTBM (Tak Berpencen)

  Semua Ahli Yang Dilantik Hendaklah Datang Daripada Persatuan Veteran.

 Tertanya-Tanya Mengapa PAT Menduduki Bilet Yang Dilantik? 

The appointment of PAT in the MVK is illegal and contravene Akta Veteran 2012 which explicitly states all the five members shall be “veterans” whereas PAT is a serving officer!

YANG PENTING

TIDAK AKAN ADA TIN MILO DI EDARKAN DI SEKOLAH DAN SURAU UNTUK MEMINTA SEDEKAH UNTUK KEPERLUAN PERWIRA NEGARA

MINDEF PROCUREMENT AND THE INTEGRITY AROUND IT. MALAYSIA SEAPOWER

 We are comfortably in denial of the fact that most defence contracts are simply enrichment schemes with post retirement benefits. The divide and rule principle has reached the climax. No argument on this. 

The deafening silence of the realms is a constant testimony to the state of affairs. We have become a laughing stock in the region for force planning and capability enhancement. Nothing can save us now. We just continue being the pendulum in global affairs and pretend the problem will not reach us. Meanwhile, with only 35 million population dependent on foreign workers, we have no say in International Relations and are hostages to regional powers. They will politically intimidate us and take sovereign territory in time to come. 

Truth be told. Time to relax and enjoy the remaining years…maintain camaraderie and praise yourself for the cherished Service to King and Country.

We are ahead of ‘Laos’! Maybe!! Others in ASEAN, not even closed on Defence Strength and capabilities.!! Real Sad!!

What is the use of white paper or any strategy for that matter if not in control of assets (weapon platforms).

Already a decade past and planned and procured assets still have not passed the construction stage

What is the “ideal” force level for the MAF, particularly for the Navy, based on valid “threat perception” and taking into account the RMA brought about by advanced military technology? What is the current defence shortfall (risk factor) based on current “available” force level? and how does this risk gap is managed? Is the current force structure development plan commensurably aimed at closing this risk gap, or the Government simply pick and choose on ad-hoc basis to quickly enrich some? What are the true constraints in these development? Is it technological, financial, man power resources or structural procurement system? We are not sure. Perhaps the Navy think thank knows best these challenges.

The RMNOA & RMN SEAPOWER CENTER  are in a position to institute a Think Tank Group to propose the Strategic Proposals to the country...Any takers to take the lead?

 “Sources” of Sea Power 

(1) A maritime community 

(2) Resources 

(3) Styles of government, and 

(4) Geography and geopolitics. 

“Elements” of Sea Power 

(1) Shipping 

(2) Bases, and 

(3) The fighting instrument (ie the Navy viz the sharpest end of Sea Power. My view - the main culprit that stunts Malaysia’s Sea Power is “The style of government” whose law makers could not perceive these sources and elements, what more how to synergies them, beyond discussing the trivial eg prices of chicken eggs, collapsing bridges, road repairs, etc 

 The parade ground on the Navy Day reflects “a maritime community” which the Government must continue to develop right from school age through structured plan and development.

Briefly, by “maritime community” is meant the pool of people who man the Navy, merchant marine and other sea-oriented entities particularly those in the off-shore labyrinth and fishing fleet. In Malaysia, this would include those manning the para-military APMM, marine police, marine department, fishery department, the custom and immigration, etc. Why this community constitutes an important source of Sea Power is because they are interdependent, mutually supporting and mutually influencing in the Sea Power development. The merchant marine brings wealth through trade, given 90% of Malaysia’s trade is sea-borne in nature. Such wealth, in part, is needed to finance and develop a powerful Navy, being the fighting instrument and sharpest end of Sea Power. For this reason, a credible Sea Power hinges not only on developing a powerful Navy but also a strong commercial shipping industry that supports it. In turn, the Navy must protect the merchant marine in peace time and more so in war. The importance of merchant marine, thus sea-borne trade, is evident in the crippling of Venezuela, Cuba and Iran of their Sea Power by the US Navy blockades. Merchant mariners not only play the role of bringing wealth necessary for Navy, thus Sea Power, development. In the 1982 Falklands War, the UK Government requisitioned 64 commercial ships (Ships Taken Up From Trade - STUFT) in the war for various auxiliary roles. 

The same can be said on the wealth-bringing off-shore labyrinth (oil and gas fields) vis-a-vis the Navy it helps develop. In turn, the Navy provides security for their operations.

Though insignificant it may seem, the fishing fleet provides an important reservoir of seamen. When the crunch comes and the Navy badly needs civilians to augment the ship crew, twenty land lubber taxi drivers from KL will be no match to one weather bitten fishermen from Pangkor to do the job - a special breed of seamen of the maritime community. 

from RMNOA Think Tank

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXqIYJ_Em1L/

DEFENCE EXPERTS WARN OF FITNESS TRACKER RISKS IN SINGAPORE MILITARY BASES AMID GLOBAL STRAVA BREACHES

 

Fabian Koh

The Ministry of Defence says it is aware of the risks and will implement security measures when needed.

Singapore's military installations can be seen on Strava's global heatmap, such as Sungei Gedong Camp (left) and Changi Naval Base (right).

SINGAPORE: Fitness tracking apps like Strava could pose security risks in Singapore's military bases – not by revealing their locations, but by exposing the daily routines and movement patterns of personnel inside, defence observers have warned.

Their caution comes as a series of high-profile breaches overseas have put such apps under scrutiny. In March, a French aircraft carrier had its exact location revealed after an officer onboard logged a run on Strava. Earlier this month, British soldiers gave away their positions inside one of their country's most sensitive nuclear bases by posting their runs on the app

A check by CNA showed that paths within military installations here, including Sungei Gedong Camp, Changi Naval Base and Sembawang Air Base, appear on Strava's global heatmap.

In a highly urbanised and compact environment like Singapore, many military installations are already generally known or inferable from open sources, said Associate Professor Razwana Begum, head of global security and strategy at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

The real danger, she said, lies elsewhere.

“In Singapore, the risk is not primarily about revealing locations, but about exposing patterns and behaviours within and around installations,” she said.

NO ADDED SECURITY RISKS: MINDEF

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said it is aware of the risks and will act when needed.

In response to questions from CNA, a spokesman said that the ministry and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are "mindful that the technology for fitness trackers evolves with the addition of more sophisticated tools".

“We are monitoring these developments and will, when required, institute appropriate measures to maintain the security of operations and training,” said the spokesman.

Servicemen told CNA that Strava remains widely used in military bases here. A full-time national serviceman posted to an airbase said no formal orders have been issued against using the app onsite, though servicemen are advised against it – and told to keep posts private if they do use it.

A national serviceman who does his reservist in an army base said most servicemen are not worried about security risks in using the app, with a sense that military areas in Singapore are already marked and known. Unlike rules governing camera phones, no formal guidelines govern the use of fitness tracking apps such as Strava, he said.

EXPOSING BROADER PATTERNS

Most modern militaries, including the SAF, have settled on risk-managed use rather than outright bans of fitness tracking apps, said Mr Ridzwan Rahmat, principal defence analyst at defence consultancy Janes.

Restrictions are typically imposed during classified or sensitive exercises, overseas operations or training where movement patterns could matter operationally, he added.

Still, experts said that risks should not be dismissed. "Pattern-of-life exposure" such as repeated runs, walks and patrols can reveal daily routines and frequency of movement – and pinpoint frequently used internal roads, facility perimeters and routine movement areas inside an installation, said Mr Ridzwan.

“Publicly available data can reveal patterns of life such as the number of personnel in an area, their activity level, and fitness profile that may seem harmless as an individual data set,” said defence observer David Boey, a former member of MINDEF’s Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence.

“However, such data can represent another piece of the jigsaw that observers compile for a more complete picture of activities inside a military installation.”

Taken as a whole, such open-source intelligence can be exploited by hostile intelligence services and potential terror threats, said Dr Ong Weichong from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies' National Security Studies Programme.

Assoc Prof Razwana added that potential adversaries – including terrorist, extremist and organised crime groups – may exploit such insights to identify security vulnerabilities.

Mr Boey pointed to Jemaah Islamiyah, which conducted reconnaissance here over two decades ago using far simpler tools.

“Their videos of possible targets pre-dated today’s social media channels and lifestyle apps, whose reach and pervasiveness are likely to be obvious to like-minded non-state actors who may be mulling similar actions,” he said.

Mr Ridzwan acknowledged that Singapore's context differs materially, with most military installations already visible and well-mapped via open-source imagery – but cautioned that "low risk" does not mean "no risk".

Singapore should keep its guard up, particularly given the "prevailing global geopolitical situation", Mr Boey added.

WHAT CAN SERVICEMEN DO

Servicemen have a role to play in using such apps responsibly, observers said.

Assoc Prof Razwana said they should adopt a privacy-by-default approach: setting activities to private, using features that hide start and end points, and disabling GPS and geolocation services to prevent automatic syncing of activity data.

Mr Ridzwan added that servicemen should avoid naming posts, sharing photos or making comments that could identify or link them to their work locations.

Assoc Prof Razwana also agreed with MINDEF's approach of continuously assessing emerging technologies, including wearables and AI tracking tools, and updating policies accordingly.

The SAF is believed to actively monitor its online footprint around the clock, said Mr Boey.

“These cyber defenders would help MINDEF/SAF detect, track and localise instances when Strava-type situations may compromise Singapore’s security posture. Digital forensics can then recommend follow-on action to plug any leaks,” he said.

Mr Boey noted that some SAF personnel appear to have scenic running routes – through forested areas on the eastern side of Paya Lebar Air Base and along the breakwater at Changi Naval Base – that are visible on Strava heatmaps.

That photos of such routes have not surfaced via unsanctioned channels suggests personnel are broadly aware of digital dos and don'ts, he said.

Still, Strava's social dimension may work against good security habits.

“It is not intuitive to set activities to ‘Only me’ when the device or app is meant to showcase development or progress in certain activities and affirmation from others necessary to sustain the habit or activity,” said Assoc Prof Razwana.

Source: CNA/fk(cy)

DSA 2026 -

 Jeyaganesh Gopalsamy

Now that the DSA 2026 is over, what are the key take aways of the show, from my lense:-

Now that the DSA 2026 is over, what are the key take aways of the show, from my lense:-

1) The organisers claimed a total of RM 3.54 Bil worth of deals were concluded. Among them 12 (contracts), 4 x Letter of Intent and 6 x Industrial Collaboration Program(ICP). Hence devoid of any major "big ticket" items. Hopefully the above are not "recycled" deals from LIMA 2025 or even DSA 2024.

2) Based on my chats with some "like minded" people be it from the Ministry, Military, Journals or mere enthusiast like me. The elephant in the room seems to be the SPH, Towed Artillery, AV4, and AV6.

3) The Mildef AV4 worth RM 1.2 bil for 136 vehicles were supposed to be inked, as the LOI, was already issued last year. Whereas the contention between CSG's EVA and KDNS Caesar for 155mm SPH seems to be illusive, albeit rumour of the contract already awarded.

The much needed AV6 to replace the Sibmas and beef up some of the void left by AV8 Gempita seems to be anyone's guess. (Side Note: We tend to champion 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 for such a small standing Army with miniscule budget. Whereas advance nation has ditched the Medium Armour (6x6) for a well balanced 4x4 (light) and 8x8 (heavy) composition.

4) Adnan and MICV upgrade, the 2024 DSA was filled with this theme, with "pretenders" of Defence Industries pitching for the upgrade. However rumours has it, that only MICV (formerly Daewoo KIFV), would be considered for upgrade. One must understand that ADNAN is more modern with Advance Fire Control Solution, entered service at least a decade after KIFV and more importantly fielded in large numbers (224).

The rationale to upgrade an assets that seem to have more service life left, as opposed to a relic seems to be lost with the Army and powers to be.

Despite both Adnan and KIFV sharing its DNA to the proliferated and proven M113. Even the much needed announcement whether MICV or Adnan is going to be upgraded, the silence seems to be deafening.

5) Naval segment, the euphoria of LMSB2 and MRSS can be felt during DSA 2026. With shipyards from Italy, France, China, Korea and Turkey joining the fray for the coveted contract. However with user requirement blurry and incoherent budgeting details, the confusion could be seen in the models proposed. From Light carrier masqueraded as MRSS to Commercial Hull pitched as LPD, I don't blame the OEMs, as its free for all.

6) Unmanned Systems, AI, Robotics...appears to be the buzz words. With some showcasing the deadly Shahed 136 look alike as a "home grown" Loitering Munition to Multi media practitioner without understanding the concept of "Time Sensitive Targeting" talking about AI.

The cluelessness could be gauged as soon as they open their mouth. A simple questions of "Targeting solution" based on multiple sensors , what are the algorithms used for priority Targeting....would draw a blank look from the presenter....well at least, that's what the bespoke dressed local player appeared to me.

7) Airpower, called me biased due to my altered ego as Lord Flashheart of Blackadder. However the Air Force seems to be spot on. We saw the serial No 001 FA-50 with Chief of Air Staff proudly standing beside it. The MPA is on schedule, ANKA is operational, AW149 (medium lift)due for leasing, Air Defence Radar in progress. The razor focus of RMAF and their transparency can be seen with their RFI for MERAD. The OEM is clear and based on my conversation with the Chinese, Russian, Korean and European, unanimously agreed they are clear of "what expected of them, based on the Air Staff Requirement". One could witness the sync in the OEM display for Medium Range Air Defence, KM-SAM II, HQ9 and S300....no S400, Thaad, Pac 3, unlike other service where variation could be daunting.

There is no guessing like other service, where anything goes. I even saw Hyundai Wia displaying a mounted 105mm Howitzers, how wild is that or was it an insult to our requirements for 155mm SPH. With the absence of airtight specification and requirement is speculative.

Largest number of agricultural entities participation in DSA. As someone who participated for this event since 1998, its shows the dilution of its core business. While one can argue the "agricultural aspect", is only to comply ICP. My question, are we dearth of local defence SMEs for direct offset in defense, that we need to satisfy indirect Offset, agriculturally.

9) Finally the statement from the Ministers themselves to use "future superlative" of 2030. What happened to "localisation of at least 80% by 2020" based on the resolution adopted by Mides in 1990s. I guess its must be somewhere in the "dustbin", only for politicians to come up with a new vision. With intermittent gap in the policy for pursuit of "self indulgence" rather "self reliance", its back to square one.

10) Assymetrical warfare, well it maybe a jargon given by either MIDAS or some officers who just completed his/her MTAT/MPAT/KETAHANAN thesis on the subject matter. One must understand that Iran employment of such "strategy", was not based on lip service but decades of understanding the complexities of warfare subject to their own limitations to draw the maximum yield cognizant of their own weakness.

We have not reached that level of maturity or austerity to adapt "asymmetric" in a span of two weeks. Yes one may look intellectual but if someone press you further on the "multiple dimensions of Assymetrical warfare and its lexicon to technology", you might be a laughing stock.

Conclusion.

The words of Shakespeare "much ado about nothing", is apt to denote the show. We must understand OEMs spent their time, effort and resources to showcase their "toys", the least we can do is be "coherent" about our planning or at least what we are going to "procure".

With nation states around the periphery "enhancing their defence capabilities with bigger budget". It's only a matter of time before our defence show loses its luster.

Those in the corridors of power for the defence of the realm have to be straightforward, direct and above all...honest about what they want.

The days of "Generals, with gorged and ceremonial medals trying to hoodwink or intimidate the people are over.....now a young 16 year old gamer could could conduct "table top" exercise on computers with ease, while simulating an Alpha Strike...

The state of our military is more pomp and pageantry without the punch.

Disappointed....very disappointed....

 NIZRA INDUSTRIES is proud to participate in DSA 2026 and NATSEC Asia 2026.

More than an exhibition, this is a statement of intent as we continue to build credible, technology-driven capabilities across land, air, sea and cyber.

20–23 April 2026

MITEC, Kuala Lumpur

Hall 7, Level 2, Booth 7730 (beside Airbus)

See you there!

Strait of Malacca: The Silent Lifeline of Global Trade

 After hibernate for 2 years, here I am, at 4 am , thinking of my hobby ; reading and writing. life is full of challenging and most of us read and write are the luxury of time with no monetary benefit, so we leave them during time of crisis.

I missed a lot, Ukraine war, SUMUD Flotilla, Trump as president, PMX, Turkey connection and now Israhell US and Iran war. Oh PTD & PAT saga.

We will catch up later.

now lets talk about "canal of fortune " 

Strait of Malacca: The Silent Lifeline of Global Trade

The Strait of Hormuz is often prioritized with a "protect at all costs" mentality because it is regarded as the world's most critical energy chokepoint, with no easy alternative routes for oil exporting nations. 

In contrast, the Strait of Malacca is protected differently—not through a single, aggressive international military umbrella, but through a combination of regional cooperation

The Strait of Hormuz is often described as the world’s most important energy transit point, while the Strait of Malacca, connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans, functions as a crucial link between resource exporters and manufacturing hubs.

Two straits. Both critical. One heavily secured... the other, dangerously exposed.

• ~25–30% of global trade passes through
• Energy flow from Middle East to Asia
• 77,000 vessel passed tru Malacca Strait annually

 The Strait of Malacca carries the economic lifeline of Asia — including Malaysia itself.

THREATS & VULNERABILITIES 

• Piracy / illegal fishing / smuggling / intrusion simulation
• Blind spots in surveillance

 Highlight:

• Congestion
• Limited integrated surveillance
• Dependency on fragmented systems

Malaysia is not just a coastal state — we are the gatekeeper.

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If Malaysia having any crisis with US or China or Singapore  ( seems impossible) can we close the Malacca Strait?

Closing the Strait of Malacca—a vital artery carrying 40% of global trade and 30% of oil—would trigger an immediate global economic crisis, skyrocketing shipping insurance costs, and severe energy shortages for East Asian nations. It would essentially sever China's primary energy lifeline, forcing shipping to take longer, more expensive routes, such as the Indonesian straits or around Australia. 

Key consequences of closing the Strait of Malacca:

• Global Economic Shock: As a premier maritime choke point, disruption here would immediately surge oil prices and disrupt supply chains for goods passing between the Middle East/Europe and East Asia.
• "Malacca Dilemma" Activated: China, which relies on this route for up to 80% of its oil imports, would face a strategic nightmare, threatening its economic stability and forcing the use of long-term, expensive alternatives.
• Maritime Rerouting: Shipping would have to divert to the Sunda Strait (shallower) or the Lombok/Makassar Straits (significantly longer), causing massive delays.
• Geopolitical Crisis: Such a move would draw in major powers like the US, China, and India, potentially leading to military confrontation to secure passage.
• Limited Autonomy: Because the strait is a shared waterway managed by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, a unilateral closure by Malaysia is likely impossible without cooperation from neighboring nations. 

If such a scenario occurred, maritime traffic would immediately look for alternatives like the Indonesian routes or potentially a Thailand Kra Canal if it were built, though currently, these are not fully viable substitutes.

Security is not where the threat is visible, It is where the impact will be greatest