DR M PROPOSES ASEAN ACCORD TO CHECK ARMS RACE

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Former prime minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamad Tuesday proposed that Asean draw up an accord to prevent an arms race
among its members which he said would also help reduce their rising weapons
expenditure.

He said an arms race should never take place, more so at a time when there
was much apprehension about the world economic situation.

"If we do not want an arms race, Asean member countries must agree not to
enhance their (military) capabilities. Then, we can reduce (purchase of
weapons).

"However, if we (Malaysia) are the only ones to reduce our (military)
capabilities while the others continue to enhance theirs, we may be made the
target," he told reporters after watching an air show in conjunction with the
2009 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima 2009) exhibition which
opened here Tuesday.

Replying to a question, Dr Mahathir said he felt that weapons expenditure
was rising and many countries could not afford to spend much, and that whatever
was spent would have no returns unless there was war.

Mahathir, whose idea it was to have the Lima exhibition, said local
companies had undergone tremendous improvement in terms of technological
advancement over the years.

"I am happy that we are able to hold the Lima exhibition this year despite
the uncertain world economic situation, where participation is not as in
previous years but local companies are seen to be so advanced in various fields
including electronic, and this is an achievement we can be proud of," he said.

Thirty-seven per cent of the 325 exhibitors at this year's Lima exhibition
are local companies, with National Aerospace & Defence Industries Sdn Bhd the
biggest local exhibitor.

On unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Dr Mahathir said local companies had the
capability to manufacture these products on par with international manufacturers
and they were of export quality.

On Monday, Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the use of
UAVs was a cost-effective measure and a suitable platform to undertake maritime
surveillance.

Several local companies, including Sapura and Composite Technology Research
Malaysia (CTRM), had manufactured and tested UAVs.
-- BERNAMA