ARMED FORCES SHOULD EQUIP THEMSELVES WITH MODERN WEAPONRY SKILLS - PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on members of the armed forces to equip themselves with modern weaponry skills and knowledge to strengthen the country's defence.

Abdullah, who is defence minister, said that the armed forces must also be
able to face the enemies with the strength that could instill fear in
them.

"What is the use of acquiring weapons or sophisticated equipment if we
don't
know how to use them or only able to utilise some of the functions when in fact
the equipment can be used in a variety of ways.

"It is of little use, for example, if we only know how to utilise ten of
twenty functions of a sophisticated equipment," he said at the monthly gathering
of the Defence Ministry Thursday.

This is the first time that the Prime Minister attended the monthly
gathering since swapping portfolio with his deputy Najib Razak last
month.

It was therefore important, said the prime minister, that members of the
armed forces keep on enhancing their skills and capabilities.

He also said that the Malaysian armed forces were becoming more
sophisticated following the acquisitions of modern weaponry.

"To be the forces that the people can be proud of, they should also
inculcate positive values among them," he said.

Abdullah said members of the armed forces should also be resolute in their
quest for excellence and in achieving the national mission to turn the country
into a developed nation not only in the economic field but also in the military
arena.

He also called on the forces to safeguard the welfare of its personnel to
instill a strong sense of responsibility among them.