Defence Industry
In dialogue and survey
session by KPMG involving more than 20 MIDES and VDP companies in February
2021, the most number of complaints submitted was the dire state of the
ecosystem. This is as a result of the postponement of the LCS Project and nearly
3 -year -old debts that have not yet paid by BNS. Many of the vendors are in a
danger zone due to pressure to clear outstanding payments from suppliers,
banks, and government authorities.
MASTRA calls upon the Ministry of
Defence Malaysia and the ministry of Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives Development
to look into the plight of the entrepreneurs, vendors, and SME's affected by
the alleged non-payment. While the government’s efforts in reviving the LCS
project are commendable the sustainability of the SME’s must be included in the
equation. MASTRA proposes that direct payment to the SMEs be made a
precondition of the revival plan.
STRIDE ought to be under
Markas BERSAMA , looking after the interest of all services of MAF , with
representative from APMM and Marine Police. Restructure and Reassign
STRIDE for a wider scope of responsibility and accountability. Perhaps
jointly with BIP . It must be properly organised with
separate Divisions taking care of Aeronotics, Marine and
Automotive. include a 'Proactive' Division for Defence
Industry .
Participations headed by Veteran Senior
Officer from Engineering Branch of the TD, TLDM or TUDM, with
council members representing the industry in Automotive, Marine and
Aeronautical Services.
According to internal sources, STRIDE
has no fund to do R&D, past develop project management and events led to
loss of confidence in STRIDE's capability in managing innovations , hence
sceptics to provide funding.
STRIDE should not continue as the old
Defence Research Centre (PSTP) - more for fuel oil and material test labs!
Maritime Industry
MiGHT ought to Review and Audit their
Maritime Strategy for 2020 that was published in 2011. They should identify
progress and more importantly shortcomings of the strategy up to this date and
propose viable solution through Direct Interaction with in-country marine
technology practioners , and ONLY move forward from there with more
practical and achievable steps . There were too much Way Forward ! yet if still
sluggish to 'MOVE FORWARD' , it will not take our National Marine
Technology Competencies and Sustainability to ANYWHERE ! So much were left out
or ignored, at least over the last decade!
MASTRA suggest there a must change
the KPI mentality to PDCA mentality in these agencies, besides Improve
Governance. Their role is also governance , Tighten requirements for made in
Malaysia and Malaysian products. This must Reflect in tender specification,
Encourage integration and systems production.
Maintenance contracts should be given
to 100% locally owned companies to promote and strengthen self-reliance. Clean
up licensing and registrations. Clean up GLCs. Close the non-strategic
collaboration.
At a time when our ecosystem in bad
shape we need to do the needful.
If OEM still required, they must
go through local 'technologically related and competent' companies.
We are aware of the problems exist, so how do we counter this or
manoeuvre ourselves in this ecosystem ?
For more almost 15 years since our involvement in the industry in AMIM
in 2006, we keep seeing plans after plans being launched by VVIP and yet our
industry remains almost as 40 years ago. All these seminar, conference and
workshop nicely done and presented documents are just for KPI or show only.
Perhaps the Ministry taking care of Technology. Development and
Sustenance , such as MOSTI, and Ministry responsible for survival and progress
of SMEs , perhaps MITI, are not fully aware, or indifferent, on the
plight of Malaysian Marine Industry ?
from defence industry brain storming group
