Is Malaysia Really Buying The RM3 Billion Warship And 18 Fighter Jets?

Malaysia's Defence Ministry had spent a total of RM6.7 billion on the controversial purchase of two Scorpene submarines in 2009. People are now wondering if the Defence Ministry is spending money again.

By | 03 Sep 2015, 07:12 AM

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According to a report by International Business Times (IBT) on 26 August, Malaysia is one of the several countries interested in buying one of the two Russian-made aircraft carrier

ibtimes.com

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The French defense minister is in talks with Malaysia to sell the Southeast Asian nation one of the Mistral warship aircraft carriers that was initially intended for Russia, a source close to the talks told Reuters.

**Several countries, especially in emerging nations in Southeast Asia and South America, have been interested in the purchase of the ships, with reports confirming that one of the ships would be sold to Malaysia.**

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The Sevastopol (left) and the Vladivostok warships

The Sevastopol (left) and the Vladivostok warships

Image via Jean-Sebastien Evrard/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images/IBT

It was reported that the two Mistral-class aircraft carriers were initially built for sale to Russia

ibtimes.com

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The two Mistrals were originally built for Russia in a deal made by former French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2011. Set to be delivered in 2014 and 2016, the ships would have marked the first arms deal between a Western nation and Russia.

President Francois Hollande cancelled the deal in 2014, following Russia's continuing involvement in Ukraine, annexing the Crimean peninsula and reportedly arming pro-Russian separatists.

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Nicolas Sarkozy (left) and Francois Hollande (right)

Nicolas Sarkozy (left) and Francois Hollande (right)

Image via Getty Images / The Telegraph

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli has urged the federal government to drop any intention to purchase the aircraft carrier which could cost around RM3 billion

themalaymailonline.com

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The federal government needs to explain to the public why Malaysia needs to have two new naval warships with amphibious capabilities, when it could potentially cost taxpayers some RM3.5 billion, PKR's Rafizi Ramli said.

**"And if everything adds up including the maintenance, technical assistance, cost to fully equip the carrier as well as helicopter cost it will be around RM3.5 billion of the public's fund," the PKR vice-president said.**

"It is really odd that the Malaysian government is thinking of buying a non-customised naval warship which may not fit into our defence strategy altogether," he added.

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According to Bernama, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein met with French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and French defence industry representatives on Tuesday, 1 September, to discuss, among others, Malaysia's possibly purchasing a Mistral class vessel.

However, Hishammuddin has dismissed these speculations, saying that the sale of the aircraft carrier was not discussed at the meeting.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (2nd from left) and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishamuddin Hussein

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (2nd from left) and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishamuddin Hussein

Image via Getty Images / Defense News

thesundaily.my

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**"It was not discussed. That answers whatever allegation they want to throw at us," he told reporters after the meeting."**

It is therefore inappropriate, he said, for any party to raise allegations over the matter.

"Whoever has concerns over it, I think it is premature on their part."

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Hishammuddin also revealed that Malaysia, is in fact, reviewing a proposal to buy French-made Rafale fighter jets

therakyatpost.com

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Malaysia, which wants to replace its fleet of Russian MiG-29 fighters, is said to be looking at the Rafale, Boeing's F/A-18, Swedish firm Saab's Gripen and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

**French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, which builds the Rafale, is said to be in talks with Malaysia to supply 18 of the multi-role combat jets.**

"It's too soon to announce anything about it," Hishammuddin told a joint news conference with French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in the Malaysian capital."

**"It's part and parcel of the industry and it's a proposal we look at and I have been very transparent with the Malaysian public that it's a question of affordability," he added, when asked about Malaysia's interest in the fighter jet.**

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Meanwhile, a senior diplomatic source said that France is confident that Malaysia will accept the proposal and buy the fighter jets

France's Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (left) and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein

France's Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (left) and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein

Image via The Malay Mail Online

themalaymailonline.com

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"We have the feeling that there is a clear preference (for the Rafale) because they have not made the same type of announcement for the other manufacturers being considered," the source said.

**"We are entering concrete discussions."**

"We can't rule it out happening quite quickly."

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While the Defence Ministry is reviewing the proposal, you can give your two cents on what you want for Budget 2016:

says.com

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In his enthusiasm on realizing his promises for reform, PM Najib Razak is continuing with his initiative of collecting suggestions prior to the tabling of Budget 2016.

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