KUALA LUMPUR: The needs and ability of the Armed Forces cannot be discussed or politicized, including in Parliament, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the Dewan Rakyat.
He said MPs have the immunity to ask whatever in the Dewan Rakyat, but the confidentiality and capability of the armed forces cannot be compromised or discussed openly.
Zahid when winding up his speech on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin in Dewan Rakyat here yesterday said MPs, no matter from which party, cannot question the confidentiality of the armed forces because it cannot be politicized to ensure the security of the country.
The Defence Minister chided a number of MPs from the opposition who regularly raised issues related to the defence of the country in the Dewan Rakyat, especially Tony Pua (DAP-Petaling Jaya Utara).
Zahid said the secrets of the country must be defended by all, including the opposition.
Meanwhile, a heated argument raised tension in the Dewan Rakyat when Zahid and Pua were involved in an argument over the issue of six second generation petrol vessel-littoral combatant ships (LCS) commissioned by the Defence Ministry.
Pua had claimed that the price for the six vessels was 870 per cent higher than the actual price. Zahid said he would not hesitate to drag Pua to the court for such a claim and challenged him (Pua) to lodge a report to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and provide evidence over such an allegation.
“It is wild accusation. Why did he not furnish evidence? Is he not brave enough? Why use his blog to defend himself. If he is really brave and transparent, provide evidence to the MACC and let the MACC carry out an investigation. I am ready to provide whatever details needed by the MACC,” he said.
To a question by Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh), Zahid said Malaysia does not need a special committee to procure assets for the Armed Forces, as in other countries. – Bernama