CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW NAVY BASE IN LANGKAWI A STRATEGIC MOVE

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The decision by the Defence Ministry
to build a new Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base in Langkawi is a strategic one as
it will help monitor ships coming into the Straits of Malacca as well as protect
the sovereignty of coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia, said the ruler of
northern state of Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan
Badlishah.

"Besides monitoring the busiest strait in the world -- the Straits of
Malacca -- the base will also contribute to socio-economic development in
Kedah," he said at the naming and launching ceremony of the RMN's KD Sultan
Badlishah at the existing RMN base in Tanjung Limbong in this legendary island
Wednesday.

The new base in Langkawi will also be responsible for eradicating piracy and
and smuggling in the straits as well as help other government agencies in case
of emergencies.

Tuanku Abdul Halim said naming the ship Kapal DiRaja (KD) Sultan Badlishah
was also a good recognition of the excellence of RMN's Langkawi unit.

"I thank the RMN and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) for selecting my
father's name, Almarhum Sultan Badlishah Ibni Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah, for
the ship.

"It is a great tribute for his services for the country in fighting the
English as well as his patriotism," added Tuanku Abdul Halim.

He also hoped that members of the RMN at the base would emulate the spirit,
struggle and vision as demonstrated by Almarhum Sultan Badlishah in defending
the country with sincerity and dedication.
-- BERNAMA