MINDEF to seek clarification from ATM on M'sia's involvement in Saudi military mission

The Defence Ministry will be seeking clarification from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) whether Malaysian military personnel are involved in a Saudi Arabian military mission, said its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said Malaysia supported efforts to eradicate terrorism in terms of doctrine and ideology, but not from a military standpoint.

"I have stated from the beginning that we are not involved militarily," he said when commenting on Saudi Arabia's state news agency SPA's report stating that Malaysia was participating in a massive military mission, deemed 'critically important' together with about 20 other countries.

"Military training does not mean we are directly involved in operations. Besides, I will not allow it ...as to what was reported today (by SPA), I have not seen the extent of involvement in the training," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after presenting the Defence Minister's trophy to the winners of the Inter-Varsity Debate Competition at the National Defence University (UPNM) , Kem Perdana Sungai Besi here, tonight.

Also present was UPNM vice-chancellor, General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

Prior to this, the minister had stated that Malaysian troops have been sent to Saudi Arabia for training purposes.