DEFENCE MINISTRY`S PERFORMANCE CAN BE FURTHER IMPROVED - PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Although the Defence Ministry's
performance has been good so far, there is still room for improvement, said
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"It is our duty and responsibility to fulfil the national mission, which
means we must constantly improve on whatever we have achieved.

"To attain greater success, we need to improve our work performance,
integrity and efficiency. The Defence Ministry's overall performance must be
further improved," he said at the ministry's monthly assembly, here, today.

Abdullah, who is also Defence Minister, said the ministry had spent more
than 90 per cent of its expenditure allocation last year on operating costs and
hoped that it could fully utilise the amount for this year.

"However, as far as I know, the ministry, is now finalising the accounts to
know how much was spent last year. I understand that 80 per cent of the
allocation had gone to development projects. After the final count, the amount
will definitely be higher," he said.

Abdullah said a portion of the RM7 billion (US$2 billion) economic stimulus
package announced by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak two months ago, would
also go to the Defence Ministry for additional development projects.

He said overall, the fund injection would stimulate economic activities to
ensure growth despite the unfavourable global economic climate.

"The economic challenges we will face are not easy, but with diligence and
determination, we will overcome them. We've heard and read from the economic and
financial analysts that 'the worst has yet to come' before the situation
improves....we shall wait.

"But we shall wait not without preparations. We have taken action or new
approaches from now to deal with the situation. We must endeavour and be
prepared so as to avoid the adverse effects (of the economic meltdown)."

Abdullah hoped that the preparations made by the government could cushion
the effects of the global economic slowdown so that the people would continue to
benefit from the country's prosperity.

He said behind those challenges were opportunities to be grabbed, and it all
"depends on one's mental strength and unwavering spirit" to achieve success.

Abdullah also stressed on human capital development, regarded as a vital
asset for the country.

"We may have the most sophisticated machines and equipment but they are
useless if we don't have skilled and knowlegeable people to handle them. Without
excellent human capital, we cannot go far as a nation," he said.

On the Palestine issue, he said Malaysians, regardless of race and religion,
were saddened by what was happening in Gaza.

"Israel's atrocities are totally unacceptable and should be vehemently
condemned. In this modern era, there should be no country doing what Israel has
done. Its unbriddled desire to cause injustice, cruelty, pain and carnage by
using its sophisticated weapons has resulted in the loss of many innocent lives,
including children. There's nothing (in Gaza) now but deaths, injuries and
sufferings.

"Malaysians are not keeping quiet. A fund has been established to help
alleviate their suffering. Caring Malaysians will once again demonstrate their
compassion and generosity within their means," he said.
-- BERNAMA