"Break off ties with Singapore altogether to ensure the security of the country," was the surprise interjection from Kinabatangan MP Bung Mokhtar Radin when Deputy Defence Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal was replying to points raised in debating the Budget 2001 in Parliament today.

"Singapore is a small country. We should show them how much stronger we are," said Bung Mokhtar, who added that Singapore has constantly threatened Malaysia.

Barisan Nasional MPs today seemed to be more interested than usual in the fact that Singapore is equipping itself with the best defence weaponry.

"Why is Malaysia not bothered, even when Singapore is equipping itself with the latest weaponry? Singapore has acquired four or five submarines and we still seem unworried," said Parit Sulong MP Ruhanie Ahmad.

"Malaysia does not buy weaponry just because her neighbours are doing so. We are fully aware of all that is happening. Even if Singapore were to attack us, it would be a bigger loss on their side as theirs is a service-based country," said Shafie.

Shafie also said that Malaysia would be able to defend the country well enough if she should be attacked.

'Secrecy the best weapon'

Ruhanie also lamented the fact that Malaysia does not have any military satellites, compared with Singapore and Hong Kong which already have such technology.

Sri Gading MP Mohammad Hj Aziz also requested clarification as to why the Malaysian defence personnel conduct training together with other countries.

"Secrecy of the defence system is the best weapon but when we train together, we are giving out such secrets," said Mohammad, referring to joint training with countries like Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand.

Shafie replied: "This is the power defence arrangement. Should there be any attacks on us, we will be able to request assistance from these countries. Our defence system is good enough to protect us."

On questions whether the Defence Ministry has a research team to keep up with the various issues of defence, Shafiee said that there is such a team in the ministry.