New Media, Old Mindset….

PETALING JAYA: Some 60 media people including 30 bloggers – the New Media – spent a day at the RMAF airbase in Kuantan yesterday courtesy of the Defence Minister and the ministry. They were guests of the RMAF for that day.

The visit to Kuantan airbase was a replacement for a two-day sojourn to the Pulau Layang-Layang, scheduled last July but cancelled at the last moment – officially due to bad weather but some say after the China Foreign Ministry complained. My name was submitted as theSun representative for the trip but the Defence Ministry insisted to my editor that the newspaper sent someone else. My editor said take me or no one will go but since the trip was cancelled at the last minute, the matter ended just like that.

Nonetheless, I was told to check why the ministry did not want me to go to Pulau Layang-Layang and was told “You are too critical of the minister. If you want to be invited in the future, be more positivelah”. Anyways, they proceeded with the Kuantan airbase trip without inviting theSun again (if you were wondering why theSun did not cover the event.

Basically, the Defence Ministry is hoping for a positive vibe from such a media trip hence my exclusion. To be honest I am not sure whether I would have written something critical about the Pulau Layang-Layang or Kuantan airbase if I had attended either of them. Since I did not go we will never know then.

Anyhow since senior editors (the original invitation were for senior editors) are not obliged to write anything on such trips (I checked the other papers none carried anything about it) I guessed we have to rely on the New Media people to write about the trip. Read Here . If you find any other posts from other bloggers about the event, please email me the link and I will put it up here also.

I am hopeful the Defence Ministry will be very pleased with the positive vibes as a result of the Media Day. Hopefully the image of the Armed Forces and especially the RMAF will be boosted by such event. It appears that as we rushed headlong to embrace the New Media, the Old Mindset remains.

–Malaysian Defence

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25 Responses to "New Media, Old Mindset…."

Lee Yoke Meng says:

September 4, 2012 at 12:47 pm

Well, a really progressive organisation will normally ecognise that no individual organisation is ever perefect nd absolutely efficient in all departments. Surely, a progressive organisation will expect to look at itself at all times and check which area thay can improve on so that they are constantly be alert to changes and improvements. Improvements mustbe done at all times so that the organisation is alive, alert and changes with time. Thus constructive criticism should be welcome in any organisation. With criticism-especially if the criticism is true will improvement b possible. So lets all keep an open mind-whether in the government, defence, commercial or even in our own personal sphere as just a single human being. If we close our mind, we will never improve. We may think we are perfect and we are the best but tht is only true when we close ourmind and our eyes.
Sad is the day when the people entrusted to protect our sovereignty opt to close its mind
anon says:

September 4, 2012 at 3:00 pm

it appears that obesity is the common denominator amongst the bloggers in the photo. They all need a good workout. Perhaps that good minister can sent them all to bootcamp!
michael says:

September 4, 2012 at 5:21 pm

Indonesia KRI KLEWANG look very advance…

http://slide.mil.news.sina.com.cn/slide_8_230_17272.html#p=1
Azlan says:

September 5, 2012 at 6:16 am

Marhalim,

You should tell the PR Department at MINDEF that questioning, and if necessary, criticising authority, is part and parcel of what any journalist worth his salt should do. I fail to see how anyone can say that you are ”too unfriendly” and not ”positive”. What you have been doing is reporting the facts as they are….. as you should do!!!! Maybe they were worried that you might have asked some uncomfortable questions.

On another matter which is more interesting. Do you recall a report that came out a few months ago that mentioned STRIDE ”developing” a 120mm mortar? The latest issue of Tempur has pics of a 120mm mortar being fired at Asahan and mentions that 3 were bought by STRIDE from Slovakia.

Reply
Its not really the ministry but the politicians…
Mat Bon says:

September 5, 2012 at 9:29 am

I could imagine if Marhalim was there and see the MIGs in action then he would ask “Err, bukan Pak Menteri dah lama ka kata MIG ni nak ditukar?”. Ha ha

Reply
Nope instead I will ask which MRCA got the top marks for RMAF after the flight evaluation was conducted.
Azlan says:

September 5, 2012 at 10:49 pm

Marhalim,

Confusion has set in once again…. After DSA it was reported that contracts had been signed with Nammo for the M-72 ASM [bunker buster] and for rounds from RUAG. At first I thought that RUAG Panzerfaust rounds had been modified to fire from RPG-7s but I later found out that RUAG had made an RPG round – the Ammotec MEP. In the latest Tempur however, the editor writes that 10,000 RPG-7VM rounds had been bought from Romania but there is no mention of the RUAG deal. Can you try and poke around and find out if indeed RUAG got a contract?

Reply
The deal with RUAG was signed, I was there. As the amount of the RUAG deal was small I am guessing that the contract was meant for our UN contingent in Lebanon. As for the Tempur claim, I have no inkling at all. Of course I will try find out.
FareedLHS says:

September 6, 2012 at 5:34 am

Interesting to see all the ‘FRIEND’ that we have in the skies on the Sentry command and control system pic. A quick Google search revealed this information from the manufacturer, Raytheon:

The Sentry® command and control system brings together the most comprehensive software library in the world for interoperability with all airborne, land-based and naval systems, and sensors. Deployed in more countries around the world than any other air defense system, Sentry is built with an open system architecture that allows for easy integration with other modern weapon systems.
loreng says:

September 8, 2012 at 10:44 am

It is unfortunate that RISUD (RMAF Intelligence Unit) let the blogger took pictures of the Sentry System and post in his blog.I think the same blogger did the same when he was taken inside the Scorphene submarine last LIMA.Now everybody knows the RMAF has a radar system that is able to capture every single aircraft flying in our national airspace.Is that a good thing?IMO defence/military capability should be guarded jealously because when war breaks out it could be used to surprise the enemy for our advantage.

Reply
ThalesRaytheon will present the same info to any military, apart from China, and a few others, so its not much of a secret anyway. They are more afraid of criticisms that anything else!
Azlan says:

September 9, 2012 at 1:58 am

loreng,

What is so secretive about it? Info is freely available from open sources, if the RMAF did not want details to be released it would have informed Thales and Thales would not have included the info in its site. As for the Scorpene, Majalah Tiga did a 40 minute documentary and showed lots of images inside the Scorpene. Things like the screen of SUBTICs and sonar displays were pixled, so no damage was done.

Which reminds me of something else. About 3 years ago, the person running KLS Review took from the RMAF site, a pic of an MKM in an aircraft shelter at Gong Kedak, an loaded the pic in KLS Review. Next, he got a frantic call from ”you know who”, saying that the pic had to be removed as it was ”sensitive” [never mind that it was the RMAF who released the pic in the first place]!! In another blog, I placed details of all the non-Poilish stuff fitted on the PT-91M, which was available from open sources. Next, I get a comment from some idiot that I was a ”pengkhianat” and that I had better watch out as some people would be paying me a visit for placing ”sensitive” details on the web!!

In the same blog, I had expressed the opinion that a White Paper should be released to provide the public with some indication and the clueless opposition as to where the MAF is headed and what it faces. I got a ”comment” from another idiot saying that this was ”rahsia” – he was totally ignorant of why White Papers are released, that other countries have released White Papers and that no ”rahsia” or anything sensitive is included in White Papers.
FareedLHS says:

September 9, 2012 at 8:48 am

loreng,

I was also surprised to see a pic of the Sentry system. However, I agree with Marhalim – “it’s not much of a secret anyway”.

What we should be focusing on is the pathetic serviceability rate of RMAF fighter aircraft. When more than half of the aircraft can’t fly on any given day, what would we do if one of the “FRIEND” was actually a “FOE”?!
loreng says:

September 9, 2012 at 11:27 am

Talking about the liberty to criticize Mindef by the press and those in power; if the report (1/2 days ago) is true that HRH Sultan of Johore is unhappy over the quality of equipment procured for the Special Forces, YB Minister of Defence should consider establishing an independent Board of Inquiry to determine the culprit(s) responsible for such a state of affairs.Those responsible should be put on the red carpet.
I am sure the Special Forces are grateful to HRH for bringing up the issue.Daulat Tuanku.

Reply
With due respect to the Sultan, its the same thing that’s happening to the Armed Forces in general, its not just the GGK. Apart from the lack of funds, interference are also normal in arms procurement. So if for example the GGK specified a type of pistol for their needs, someone somehow will use their contacts to ensure that a contest will ensued and in many occasions the unwanted gun gets the ministry’s nod. Its same for other things also…
ahmad says:

September 11, 2012 at 10:04 am

interesting news from philipine
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=847577&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Mike says:

September 11, 2012 at 11:37 am

Guys,

No such surprises there in regards of Sentry. The initial contract signed earlie for new radar & SOC (Kuching) has been expanded – with an additional radar as well as new ADOC and SOCs based on Sentry system. A quick look at ThalesRaytheonSystems website confirms such system exists not only in SOC Kuantan, but others as well:

“The contract, originally for the addition of a single command and control operations center and long-range air defense radar, was expanded to include multiple operations centers with either Sector Operations Center or Air Defense Operations Center functionality derived from the Sentry® command and control software.”

http://www.thalesraytheon.com/programs/madge-soc-iii.html

For rerence on the purchase of additional radar, please see the company’s PDF report.
zainal abidin says:

September 11, 2012 at 11:52 am

Marhalim,
Hopefully this is not a sensitive issue. Can you list out the equipment that the armed forces really wanted but what they were actually given and why? Maybe just a short list,but covering the main ones.

Cost? Or presumably what they were given were actually better than what they wanted?

Equipment that dates back to the late 90′s to current one’s only need apply.

PS…If this is a sensitive issue,forget about it. TQ

Reply
I have written about the wish list on several occasions though I must add IT is not the official wish list.

Basically the Armed Forces want things that they don’t have in their inventory – stuff like attack helicopters, SPH, AEW, MPA, UAVs, long and medium range SAMs, fire and forget ATGMs basically what every other military wants, budget permitting of course.

They also want to add to the things they already have in service like missiles, MRCA, submarines, radar, frigates and submarines. As many as possible please.

As for the soldiers better boots and a bigger pay-check will do nicely thank you.

A bigger pay-check may be due after the 2012 budget is announced. As for better boots, the soldiers might as well buy it themselves instead waiting to be issued with one.

As for the rest of the wish-list, your guess is as good as mine. I am guessing only the AEW will get the nod this time around.
loreng says:

September 11, 2012 at 11:11 pm

ahmad,
I have read the link you posted, thanks.Indonesia will only sell a basic CN235 to the Philippines.Surveillance and intelligence gathering equipment will have to be procured elsewhere.The OEM from where they buy the system can install it on the CN235.The CN235 could be a good MPA with ASW capability.I heard the CN235 as an MPA could carry and launch anti-submarine torpedoes as well.
FareedLHS says:

September 12, 2012 at 5:42 am

Something to think about…

Recent true story: After the a/c failed in their building, RMAF staff had to use their own money to replace it. Funding for such routine maintenance is non-existent.

If the RMAF can’t buy a/c units and manage what should be routine facility maintenance for its buildings, how will it ever effectively and efficiently operate combat aircraft?

IMO, starting at the very top, the so-called leadership needs to be ousted.

Reply
How do you know the a/c was purchased by the govt ie RMAF in the first place? If it was not the airmen are responsible for it. For example most quarters are not fitted with a/c as a standard equipment.
FareedLHS says:

September 12, 2012 at 6:33 pm

This a/c was installed at a medical facility and was originally purchased by the government. Staff efforts to have it repaired or replaced were unsuccessful. The building also has roof leaks that have gone un repaired.

Reply
As far as I know military installations even medical facilities are maintained by the JKR. So replacement and maintenance should not be an issue, unless the building was build under by the private sector and given to the government and the handing over had not been made official. Such things had happened in the past involving schools and police stations. As the buildings are not officially government buildings, the government will not pay for it unless a proper handing over is done.
Azlan says:

September 13, 2012 at 5:51 am

To date, certification for the CN-235 to carry torps has not been done as no orders have been received for it to be configured for the ASW role. Another problem is there might not be space to carry sufficient sonobouys , for which modifications and certification will also have to be performed and will have to be paid for by the customer. There are 2 VIP configured CN-235s, owned by the PMs Department but operated by the RMAF, that would be perfect for the MPA role, especially if fitted with AMASCOS, radar and FLIR.

Reply
If fitted with FLIR it can be fitted with Hellfire or Brimstone missiles for stand-off ground/maritime capability like the US Marines Hercules
ahmad says:

September 13, 2012 at 9:31 am

you right , i think it is time for the pinoy awakening after soo long time without ‘worthfull’ acquition, and they has plan to buy submarine

Reply
Philippines has other pressing priorities than the Armed Forces. Like other Asean countries it cannot match China, so it must rely on the umbrella of the US, like it or not. As buying submarines, I believe it is too early to buy such vessels, its better for them to buy patrol boats.
nimitz says:

September 13, 2012 at 9:21 pm

Layang-layang, Peninjau and Semarang is administered by who? Putrajaya? KK? or Jln Padang Tembak (kawasan tentera?)

Reply
Putrajaya via Mindef, as its legality remained unclear. Exploring for oil is expensive as the surrounding waters are 2000m+++
Azlan says:

September 14, 2012 at 3:41 am

Marhalim,

Arming an MPA missiles would be misusing the MPA as it’s meant to perform other roles. We need MPAs to perform basic but exremely vital missions such as EEZ surveillance and to keep an eye on our sea lanes – ideally the MPAs would also be supplemented by UAVs – sexy stuff like ASW and maritime/littoral strike is beyond us at present. We should get the Defence Minister to go on a routine sortie in a Beehcraft, that can last for hours over the South China Sea, then he’ll get an idea of what the aircrews of 16 Squadron have to endure in such a cramped aircraft and small aircraft. Ooops, but the Defence Minister can’t go in a Beechcraft on a routine sortie because taking extra bodies is dicouraged due to safety concerns caused by the extra weight!!

Reply

If its for Malaysia, I would prefer a multi-role MPA which is able to attack surface and sub-surface targets, of all variety, during peace and war time. Even a forward firing gun (podded or otherwise) to scare the balls out of any one. However a stand-off missile does offer an added safety margin, in case our boys ran into guys armed with RPGs or even worse MANPADs!
Indeed to really have the ability to attack sub-surface targets one need plenty sonobouys so one get a firing solution. The CN-235/295 airframe is too small to carry that many sonobouys and MAD boom does not offer firing solutions for a terminal torpedo attack.
nimitz says:

September 16, 2012 at 4:24 pm

MPA..IMO if we have the $$$, go for the USN P8 Poseidon program..if not we join Indian Navy’s P8I.

Thanks Marhalim on your reply bout who’s in charge of those islands. I hope in the future when the borders and sovereign have been clearly determined, those islands put under purview of Sabah Govt rather than a “kawasan tentera” or “wilayah persekutuan”.

Reply
I believe Pulau Layang2 and its surroundings will be under the Federal purview if we ever got full sovereignty over them as it was never under Sabah.
Yes, the P8 will be perfect for our needs but its way too expensive
... says:

September 16, 2012 at 10:23 pm

CN-235 too small to carry sonobouys, MAD boom or torpedos??

Tell that to the Turkish Navy…

http://turkishnavy.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/40701_1320876191-1.jpg

http://monimag.eu/upload/883/img_0332.jpg

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc419/dennyp1/235asw1.jpg

Reply
Yes it can carry sonobouys but may not be as much as other bigger MPAs
... says:

September 16, 2012 at 10:45 pm

What we need now, is a basic MPA to patrol our sea’s 24/7, mainly to look for surface threats and incursions, mainly in SCS. A fleet of 6 CN-235′s with a similar fit to the Turkish navy’s is adequate to enable 1 aircraft airborne at all times. around peninsula malaysia/sulu sea, current tudm/polis beechcraft is adequate for the task, but additional aircrafts is needed to enable a more persistent patrols.

UAV’s/optionally piloted aircrafts such as SAGEM patroller can also be used to supplement the MPA’s in areas that is closed to commercial flights (maybe around spratlys). 2 patroller (+1 spare) is adequate to enable 1 aircraft airborne at all times.

http://poadu.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/patroller-uav-01-27042010-photo-sagem-d-linares.jpg

http://poadu.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/patroller-uav-04-27-04-2010-photo-sagem-ph-wodka-gallien.jpg

Reply
If based on incursions Malacca Straits is the biggest headache especially around Singapore, Batam and Johor borders. As for the Spratlys a high endurance corvette backed by other ships is a much better bet
... says:

September 16, 2012 at 11:05 pm

MPA’s are basically Over The Horizon eyes for the surface fleet, not to replace it. By having MPA’s in the air 24/7, the surface fleet can be directed to potential incursions/emergencys better than just having the surface boats/ships patrol on their own.

By using LRAD/Hyperspikes on MPA aircrafts, it can also be used as a deterrence to foreign fishing boats/illegal activities such as desludging tankers etc.

New Media, Old Mindset….

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