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Malaysian Paper Alarmed By Singapore's Military Firepower
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Lambasting Singapore for its links with Israel, the Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian earlier in the week wrote that the tiny island nation had a hidden agenda in building up its military strength.
"The Republic did not need that many sophisticated and new weapons for a small island state," the newspaper wrote.
Last week, an Indian Ministry of Defense report suggested that instability in the ASEAN region might lead to a "mini" arms race that could further endanger the faith of India in the region.
Last year, Malaysia and Singapore were competing against one another over which country had the best "attack" weaponry. Malaysia showed signs of anxiousness when it was learned that Singapore had acquired several submarines and was equipped with sophisticated short-range missiles, amongst other modern equipment.
It has been known for some time now that Israel has posted military intelligence and training officers in Singapore, off the coast alongside the southern Malaysian state of Johore.
"There is probably a hidden agenda... that the Republic will acquire new frigates, submarine and combat aircraft apart from restructuring land-fighting strategy," Berita Harian added Tuesday.
The newspaper also noted that Singapore, which provides naval base facilities for the U.S. fleet, "wants to be seen as not only a friend of the world power, but also does not want neighboring countries to compete with it in terms of power."
"Singapore may no longer want to be seen as an ordinary defense ally or easily bowing to calls to respect the concept that makes this region free from foreign military intervention, particularly from former colonists and external powers," it said.
Describing the defense build-up as "extraordinary", Berita Harian said this was clear evidence that Singapore doubted the sincerity and policies of its neighbors, "which focus more on economic growth and love for regional peace and stability."
Singapore should not be influenced by the "arrogant Israeli mentality" that has invited hatred from the Arab world.
On Sunday, the military magazine Jane's Defence Weekly reported that Singapore was set to emerge as one of the strongest military forces in the region.
"The next 10 years will see a continuation of a major shift by the SAF [Singapore Armed Forces] to introduce new military capabilities that should make it the region's strongest fighting force," it said.
It added Singapore was planning to acquire at least 12 new AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters and was considering replacements for its A4-SU Super Skyhawks and F-5 Tigers. The report was based on interviews with senior Singapore defense officials.
However, the Singapore Straits Times responded to the criticism by quoting Malaysian armed forces acting chief of staff, Lt-General Adenan Mohammad Zain as saying that the nation's military growth is no cause for alarm.
He said it would help provide a stable defense for the region and help balance Asian superpowers such as China and India. Zain said Malaysia's neighbors monitored Singapore's military growth, but this does not necessarily indicate concern about an arms imbalance.
"Singapore's need to acquire massive military firepower is acceptable, but we have to keep a watch and study its implications on us.
"There is no cause for concern that an arms race is in the making, as military development is every nation's right," he said.
He said any military transformation in Singapore "is probably to defend its national interests and will not affect other countries."
"We will, however, remain cautious," he said, as quoted by the Sun newspaper in Kuala Lumpur.
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