KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will continue to focus on four main cores to strengthen its strength and readiness in protecting national waters.
Navy Chief, Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain said the decision was aimed to ensure that the navy’s capabilities in conducting operations and war in all four dimensions, in the air, on the surface, underwater and electronically.
"Taking into consideration the challenge of our existing assets compared to current operational demands, only with a high-level readiness can we achieve the targeted assignments completely.
"Fleet readiness is secret to the success of the navy’s operations, while the fleet’s ability to respond fast and efficiently to any threat or challenge at sea is the determining factor in ensuring our beloved country’s sovereignty and maritime interests,” he said in his main address at Wisma Pertahanan here on Friday (Oct 18).
Zulhemly was appointed as the 19th Chief of Navy on Sept 23, replacing Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayob, who is retiring.
He stressed that the maintenance of naval ships required urgent attention and could not be viewed lightly in efforts to ensure that fleet readiness remains at the highest levels.
The first of the four main cores, he added, was to ensure readiness through the management and maintenance of a comprehensive and well-planned fleet, while the second core was to strengthen the RMN 15 to 5 Transformation Plan to tackle the ageing issues and efforts to boost fleet capability.
"This plan is to procure and replace ships with more modern ships with the latest technology built in the country at local shipyards,” Zulhemly said, adding that the plan would support the aims of the Defence White Paper and the National Military Strategy 2.0.
He stressed that the Navy, through Platform, would focus on procuring new assets that are expected to resolve the problem of lack of ships, replacing ageing vessels with ships that have added capabilities and efficient maintenance implementation.
The third core focuses on strengthening integration and synergy between the armed forces and combined forces was a need in almost all defence-related operations.
"In facing complex global challenges, we cannot move unilaterally. Different expertise, resources and technologies need to be integrated through a strong sense of togetherness.
"This includes cooperation between the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency as well as the public sector, industry and other international communities. The Whole of Government and Whole of Society (WoGoS) is key to fostering these partnerships and is the best method to tackle future challenges,” Zulhelmy said.
The fourth and last core involves the management of human capital to ensure the Navy’s strength and effectiveness do not rely solely on assets and technology but also competitive and efficient human resource management.
"The RMN needs to prepare clear career paths and promotions based on merit and performance. In this way, the service can ensure every personnel feels appreciated and motivated to continue to serve excellently,” he added.
He also said that improvements in human capital management policies including updating the Career Path Structure and the Navy Competency Standards Development will continue and be improved to achieve the core’s objectives. - Bernama
