I note with unease that the government has decided to spend RM950 million to purchase 64 tanks from Poland at a time when our economy is still limping through a recession. According to the report, the government may eventually have to spend RM1.1 billion to fully equip these tanks for operational use.

Common sense tells us that tanks are either for the defence of one land-based territory or offensive invasion of other's land. In either case, only conventional warfare needs tanks. The government has to explain how it proposes to use the tanks so that our neighbours are not frightened or become suspicious of our ultimate intention as the result of enhanced offensive capacity.

Tanks, unlike the lighter armoured vehicles, are fully equipped for large-scale conventional and inter-state warfare. It is not for domestic counter-insurgency, and there is no more land-based insurgency in our country.

In theory, there are there only three scenarios where our Polish tanks could be used.

First, against Thailand with which we share land border in the north.

Second, against Singapore to which we are connected by causeways;

Third, against Indonesia in Kalimantan with which we share a long land border.

Have the relationships between Malaysia and Singapore, or Thailand or Indonesia worsened to the extent that we have to be prepared for tank warfare one day? If not, what is the purpose of purchasing such a great number of Polish tanks? Just for the fun of it? The government has the duty and responsibility to convince the taxpayers for the purchase, and to assuage the fear of our neighbours.