The Budget 2018 to be tabled on Friday would propose to increase the assets of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Special Service Group, said Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the issue was conveyed to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak recently.

"Whether the government approves the allocation for the assets or otherwise, we have to wait for the presentation of Budget 2018 by the prime minister," he said after a National Transformation 2050 dialogue session at Wisma Perwira ATM in Kuala Lumpur today.

To this end, he said other aspects such as housing, education, and health were also proposed.

Hishammuddin said he had asked the Malaysian army, navy and air force chiefs to see Najib and explain their needs and requirements.

"Personally, I am hoping to hear good news from the prime minister during the budget presentation, particularly with regard to enhancing the country’s security and defence," he said.

- Bernama