BUILDING an arms industry will also help the economy, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir said developing an arms industry could also help Malaysia become a developed nation, but Malaysia had to learn the technology.

“The arms industry requires knowledge of technology. We need to learn it.

“If we want to become a developed country, we need to have command of this knowledge,” he told a press conference at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima).

The prime minister was asked whether building an arms industry would spur the country’s economy, like building a national car, which was Dr Mahathir’s pet project.

Dr Mahathir had earlier today visited Lima exhibition booths at the Mahsuri International Exhibition and was impressed by some Malaysian exhibitors.

He said Lima has been successful in boosting Malaysia’s capabilities in the defence sector.

“The industry has improved since Lima was organised. We have mastered many sophisticated technologies, and we are able to produce defence assets for export.

“This is Lima’s continuous record. We will continue to gain much from this exhibition.

”This is among the best Lima events. I hope we will be able to get investments and collaborations that will increase our technological capabilities, namely in defence.“

Dr Mahathir also urged overseas Malaysians with expertise in aerospace and aviation to return to the country to share their know-how and help the industry. – March 28, 2019.