MALAYSIAN DEFENCE MINISTER ON PEACE MISSION RIDE

BANGKOK, Jan 25 (Bernama) – Straddling a 1,800cc Honda Gold Wing superbike,
Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is on an 11-day "Ride for
Peace" mission from Chiang Rai to Bukit Kayu Hitam, made a stopover at the
Malaysian embassy here Monday.

Bukit Kayu Hitam is Kedah's main border town on the Malaysia-Thailand
Border.

He was greeted by ambassador Husni Zai Yaacob on arrival at the
embassy at 11am (noon Malaysian time).

"Apart from establishing people-to-people contacts, the expedition of 50
bikers from three nations – Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia - also aims to
enhance military diplomacy," said Ahmad Zahid.

He said the 50 bikers and 40 pillion riders comprised high-ranking military
personnel and professionals from the three countries. Their journey began in
Chiang Rai, Thailand last Wednesday and is scheduled to end in Bukit Kayu Hitam,
Kedah this Sunday.

"Peace can be contributed unofficially. Actually, we are promoting
unofficial diplomacy. Although we come from different countries, races,
religions and backgrounds, we speak the same language – bike language," he said.



The expedition is organised by the Superbikers Association of Malaysia of
which Ahmad Zahid is the chairman.

"There is no need for a roundtable discussion should any problem arise later
on in carrying out our duties as we have established interpersonal
relationships. We can solve a problem with just a phone call," he said.

Ahmad Zahid, an avid biker for almost 30 years, said he would consider
making the event an annual affair as suggested by Husni.

"I will continue to ride as long as I can," said the 58-year-old minister
who has five children and six grandchildren.

Husni said such an expedition augured well for Thailand-Malaysia relations
as well as cemented people-to-people contacts as envisaged by Asean.


Asked what fascinated him most during the expedition thus far, Ahmad Zahid
said it was Thai hospitality right from the mayors, and military and police
personnel to the ordinary people.

To another question, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would continue its role as an
observer at the US-Thai Cobra Gold military exercise despite South Korea having
upgraded its status from observer to participant of the exercise this year.

Malaysia, he said, would continue its bilateral military exercise with
Thailand and Indonesia respectively.

More than 11,000 soldiers from Thailand, the United States, Japan,
Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea will take part in the 11-day exercise
beginning Feb 1 at the Thai provinces of Rayong, Phetchaburi and Lop Buri.

-- BERNAMA