PARLIAMENT | Malaysia does not have the capability yet, especially in terms of finances, to have its own fighter jet, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said that though researchers feel that Malaysia could produce a fighter jet in 2020, it would also depend on the country’s financial capacity.

“In the country's attempt to manufacture an aircraft, for example, we have been able to manufacture a passenger aircraft, but small in size.

"If we want to manufacture about 50 units, it is just not economical, so we have to mass produce, but where can we sell them?” he asked.

Mohamad was responding to a supplementary question from Abd Latiff Ahmad (BN-Mersing) who wanted to know whether the ministry would be keen on collaborating with a university that has the expertise but not the capital to build a jet.

Latiff said that this effort could be coordinated with members of the Malaysian Defence Industry Council (MIPM) to enable the self-reliance policy to be expedited.

In reply to another supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PAS-Pasir Mas) on the capability of the Malaysian fighter jets in operations and warfare, Mohamad reminded all quarters not to look down on the ability of the air force.

The air force's equipment is sufficient, in good condition and ready for use in the event of a war, he said.

“We will not go to war with any country, but we are fully prepared, and our military personnel are in high spirits. If it (military equipment) is in a state of disrepair, we will fix it,” he said.

- Bernama