LABUAN, Oct 30 — Malaysia will continue strengthening its military capabilities in Sabah to safeguard national security amid regional geopolitical developments, but the move is not a direct response to the Philippines’ military build-up on Balabac Island, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
He said every country has the right to enhance its defence capabilities, and Malaysia was similarly committed to ensuring its armed forces remained prepared for any potential escalation of regional tensions.
“Every country has the right to strengthen its military capabilities, and Malaysia will do the same. However, our efforts are not a reaction to what the Philippines is doing in its southern region, but part of our preparations to ensure that any escalation of tensions will have minimal impact on Malaysia,” he told reporters after receiving the FA-50M aircrafts from South Korea at the Labuan Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base here.
