Explain our role in Saudi-led military drill, DAP tells Putrajaya

DAP today wants Putrajaya to explain if Malaysia was part of the "Thunder of the North" military training in Saudi Arabia. Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said if true, the government owed the people and taxpayers an explanation of what the country was doing in the military exercise. "Malaysia's involvement in a military event, which is the biggest since the second World War, should be explained to the people and ratepayers so there will be no misunderstanding or blind accusations flying around on the purpose of the country getting into conflicts in a foreign region and who are the enemies. "Is peace in Malaysia a phrase that is no longer relevant if Malaysia is part of a conflict that may attract outside threat? "After returning a huge sum of money to the Saudi royal family, is Malaysia still indebted?" he asked in a statement today. Lim (pic) questioned why Malaysia was getting involved in a war after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had set up the Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War (KLFCW). He questioned if there was a need to get involved in any Middle East conflict when there was an existing threat closer to home in Sabah. "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has to answer these questions and not let his reputation and integrity be questioned and slandered. "Just tell the people what is really going on," he said. AFP reported that Malaysia was among a group of 20 countries that had gathered in Saudi Arabia for the "Thunder of the North" operation. But Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein denied Malaysia was militarily involved in the new Saudi coalition against terrorism. He reportedly said the ministry would be seeking clarification from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) whether Malaysian military personnel were involved in the mission. He said Malaysia supported efforts to eradicate terrorism in terms of doctrine and ideology, but not from a military standpoint. "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," said Hishammuddin as quoted by Bernama. – February 16, 2016.]]>