PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the question of defence and preparedness of the country’s maritime assets, especially the Royal Malaysian Navy, is the government’s main priority to overcome threats in the country’s waters.

Anwar said he would look at the needs, but all decisions will be based on the country’s ability to prepare the required resources.

“Malaysia is a maritime country. Since Malaysia is mainly surrounded by water, the question of the country’s maritime defence and preparedness, especially the involvement of the navy, is our priority,” he said when attending the “Fleet Review” in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima ’23) at the Resort World Langkawi today.

A fleet review or naval review is an event where a gathering of ships from a particular navy is paraded and reviewed by an incumbent head of state and/or other official civilian and military dignitaries.

Upon his arrival at the Resort World Langkawi, the prime minister also graced the ceremony of the maritime segment.

Anwar said the exhibition had received tremendous response and support while the organising aspects of the exhibition are satisfactory.

“The exhibition will offer valuable returns to the economic sector, military, defence as well as the country,” he said.

Lima ’23, themed “The Nexus of Asia’s Maritime and Aerospace Trade” started today and will go on until May 27.

This year’s edition involves two ministries – the Defence Ministry (defence sector) and Transport Ministry (commercial sector).

The last time Lima was held was in 2019 and not organised in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. – Bernama, May 23, 2023.