On 13 February 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia was invited to the Kick-off Ceremony for Mid-term Review of Defence White Paper organised by the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia at Dewan Perkasa, Wisma ATM in Kuala Lumpur. The event was well-attended by over 200 participants including Malaysian dignitaries such as Datuk Seri Dr Khaled Nordin, Minister of Defence of Malaysia, Mr. Adly Zahari, Vice Minister of Defence of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Secretary-General of Defence, General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Chief of Defence Force of Malaysia, Chief of Malaysian Army, Chief of Malaysian Navy and Chief of Malaysian Air Force, diplomatic missions and foreign military missions in Malaysia, as well as media.

 

The officiating speech, delivered by Minister of Defence of Malaysia, emphasized the importance of the Defence White Paper which forms the basis for Malaysia's defence policy, focus and direction, as well as commitment in implementing the strategy to protect sovereignty, maintain safety of the country, promote prosperity and well-being of the people. The Defence White paper also emphasized effective defense diplomacy as an integral part of Malaysia’s foreign policy.

 

The event featured a panel discussion by experts involved in the drafting of Malaysia's defense strategy, followed by Q & A session on policy implementation, including the development of Malaysia's defense industry.

 

The Mid-term Review of Malaysia’s first Defence White Paper, which was published in 2019 and effective until 2030, is an important process to raise awareness and engage participation of all stakeholders.