DEFENCE Minister Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu, was criticised by former Barisan Nasional leaders following his revelations in the Dewan Rakyat that the country’s defence assets were ranked the lowest among the Southeast Asian countries.

It is embarrassing right now for us but I will work to make Malaysia number one again, he said.

We can always react positively when we hear a minister talk in humble terms unlike the arrogance of formers ministers in BN who still cannot accept defeat by Pakatan Harapan in GE14.

Mohamad was reported to have said interruptions to defence allocations had made it difficult for the ministry to carry out projects and the necessary maintenance.

The issue is whether such matters related to defence and security should be divulged in such a manner in Parliament. Did the revelation that only four out of the 28 Russian jet fighters can take to the skies weaken Malaysia’s capability in the eyes of the enemy? Did Mat Sabu undermine Malaysia’s defence capability?

We would be foolish to assume that our neighbours do not know our defence capabilities. Similarly we can also assume the revelation in the local media that the Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation, the local spy agency which employs over 1,000 personnel worldwide, has done its homework and is aware of the defence capabilities of our neighbouring countries.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng was also criticised by Anwar Ibrahim and financial analysts for undermining investor confidence by revealing the financial scandals of the past BN government.

In our everyday life, we always have two options. Either we come clean, or lie through our teeth. Lying is pretending that all is well when it’s not, and telling the gospel truth will lose you brownie points.

The problem with lying in this case, when the enemy puts you to the test, you are unable to respond as you should and scramble your fighter jets. You also give a nation a false sense of security, when there is none. The problem with lying about the financial health of the nation is the same. It gives the impression that your economy is doing better than it really is. One day the lies will catch up with you, as in the case of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

When you think how much money has been leaked through the previous financial scandals of the past BN government, and that the money can be used to maintain our military assets and improve our defence capabilities instead of buying handbags and jewellery, you can easily get riled up. The mind boggling cash hordes in several apartments and the Prime Minister’s Office  could be put to better use by the military personnel instead of some political party officials.

In a paper, The Selected Asean Nation’s Military Capabilities Facing the South China Sea Disputes by T Zdzisław Śliwa – Marcin Górnikiewicz (2016), the modernisation of Malaysia’s military was said to be hindered by “the country’s economic slowdown and the government’s prioritisation of domestic spending”.

Prioritisation of domestic spending is always good for the nation but if it’s money is leaked from 1MDB, Felda and non-existent projects like the Trans Sabah Gas Pipeline, the Sports Ministry and so on, you know it has gone to waste and into someone’s pockets.

There are no secrets on each nation’s defence capabilities. All the manpower and major military equipment are available for all to see in several websites which list Malaysia’s Arsenal in great detail.

Whether all the equipment is functioning is another thing. Political leaders like Mat Sabu and Lim Guan Eng should be given kudos for their forthrightness and not being cowed by former BN leaders who have hidden behind layers of secrets and lies which are now out in the open. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.”

For Mat Sabu, the truth will always prevail. – August 17, 2018.

* Joe Samad has wide experience working for international companies and government GLC. He is interested in new technology applications in a shared economy and issues affecting the nation,  sharing his worldview across various media platforms.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.