China warns US to be ‘careful’ in military refocus

BEIJING, Jan 9 — China's Ministry of Defence warned the United States today to be "careful in its words and actions" after announcing a defence rethink that stresses responding to China's rise by shoring up US alliances and bases across Asia.

The statement from the ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng was Beijing's fullest reaction so far to the new US strategy unveiled last week. It echoed the mix of wariness and outward restraint that has marked China's response to the Obama administration's "pivot" to Asia since late last year.

"We have noted that the United States issued this guide to its defence strategy, and we will closely observe the impact that US military strategic adjustment has on the Asia-Pacific region and on global security developments," Geng said in a statement issued on the ministry's website (www.mod.gov.cn).

"The accusations levelled at China by the US side in this document are totally baseless," said Geng.

"We hope that the United States will flow with the tide of the era, and deal with China and the Chinese military in an objective and rational way, will be careful in its words and actions, and do more that is beneficial to the development of relations between the two countries and their militaries."

The new US strategy promises to boost strength in Asia in an attempt to counter China's growing ability to check US power in the region, even as US forces draw back elsewhere across the globe.

Under the new strategy, the United States will maintain large bases in Japan and South Korea and deploy US Marines, navy ships and aircraft to Australia's Northern Territory.

The strategy calls for countering potential attempts by China and Iran to block US capabilities in areas like the South China Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

China has sought to balance voicing its wariness about the US moves with its desire for steady relations with Washington, especially as both sides grapple with domestic politics this year, when President Barack Obama faces a re-election fight and China's ruling Communist Party undergoes a leadership handover.

So far, Beijing officials have avoided the usual high-pitched assertions that Washington is bent on encircling China, a view widely echoed by popular Chinese newspapers and websites.

Growing concern

The expanded US military presence in Asia is based on a miscalculation of Beijing's intent to modernise its military defences, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said today.

"The accusation targeting China in the document has no basis, and is fundamentally unrealistic," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said at a regular news conference, in response to a question from state media about whether China poses a threat to US security.

"China adheres to the path of peaceful development, an independent and peaceful foreign policy and a defensive national defence policy," Liu added.

Still, there is growing concern in the United States and Asia about China's military developments in recent years.

China has been expanding its naval might, with submarines and a maiden aircraft carrier, and has also increased its missile and surveillance capabilities, extending its offensive reach in the region and unnerving its neighbours.

The disputed ownership of oil-rich reefs and islands in the South China Sea, through which US$5 trillion (RM15.8 trillion) in trade sails annually, is one of the biggest security threats in Asia.

China is seen by many neighbours as increasingly assertive on the high seas, with several incidents in the past year in the South China Sea, waters claimed wholly or in part by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

But Chinese President Hu Jintao has made clear he wants to avoid repeating the rifts that soured ties with Washington in the first half of 2011. Hu retires from power late in 2012 and his almost-certain successor, Vice President Xi Jinping, is likely to visit the United States in coming months. — Reuters

US will have world’s strongest military despite cuts, says Panetta

Defence Secretary Leon Panetta answers a question during CBS's "Face the Nation" programme in Washington on January 6, 2012 in this handout picture released to Reuters on January 8, 2012.— Reuters pic

WASHINGTON, Jan 9 — Defence Secretary Leon Panetta cautioned global rivals yesterday not to misjudge US plans to slash military spending over the next decade, saying America would still field the world's strongest military and nobody should "mess with that."

Panetta, speaking on CBS's "Face the Nation," also reiterated the tough US stance toward Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for oil shipping in the Gulf, saying the United States would not "tolerate" it.

"That's another red line for us and ... we will respond to them," he said.

General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told "Face the Nation" Iran had been investing in the weapons they would need to close the strait but the United States had been working to "ensure if that happens, we can defeat that."

"The simple answer is, 'Yes, they can block it,'" he said. "But we would take action and reopen the strait."

Asked whether it would be difficult to take out Iran's nuclear capability, Dempsey said it was his job to plan and understand the risks associated with any military option and "all those activities are going on."

Pressed on whether the United States could take out Iran's nuclear sites without using nuclear weapons, Dempsey would only say: "I absolutely want them to believe that that's the case."

"They need to know that ... if they take that step, they are going to get stopped," Panetta added.

The United States is concerned that Iran's nuclear programme is aimed at producing a weapon, but Tehran insists it is for peaceful energy production.

The tough talk comes days after President Barack Obama unveiled a new military strategy that calls for a smaller force as the United States cuts US$487 billion (RM1.538 trillion) in projected defence spending over the next decade in an effort to deal with the nation's US$14 trillion debt.

The new strategy, which is meant to identify spending priorities as the military cuts back, calls for greater emphasis on Asia even as the Army and Marines shrink to become smaller and more agile forces.

Not 'military in decline' — Dempsey

Dempsey said he worried that some countries might misunderstand the debate Americans are having over changing strategy and the need to cut defence spending.

"There may be some around the world who see us as a nation in decline, and worse, as a military in decline. And nothing could be further from the truth," Dempsey said.

He said such a miscalculation could be "troublesome" in dealing with countries like Iran or North Korea. Panetta said US rivals should not misunderstand the situation.

"I think the message that the world needs to understand is: America is the strongest military power and we intend to remain the strongest military power and nobody ought to mess with that," he said.

Obama and Congress agreed in August to cut some US$487 billion in defence spending over the next decade. As part of the August deal, defense spending could be cut by another US$600 billion unless Congress compromises on an alternative.

Congress missed a deadline for reaching a compromise that could have stopped the new defence cuts, but it could still take action to override the spending reductions before they are due to go into force next year.

Obama, in unveiling the new defense strategy at a Pentagon news conference on Thursday, noted that even with the US$487 trillion in cuts to projected spending, the defence budget would continue to grow in nominal terms.

He also said the US defence budget would still be by far the world's largest — roughly the size of the 10 next-biggest defence budgets combined.

If the second round of defence cuts takes place, the Pentagon's base budget would fall to roughly US$472 billion in fiscal 2013 — about the level of fiscal 2007 in inflation-adjusted dollars, according to an analysis by Todd Harrison of the Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

That represents a real cut of about 11 per cent. It would remain at roughly the same level for about eight years, growing only at about the pace of inflation, Harrison's analysis said.

Panetta told National Public Radio yesterday the Pentagon was not ready for cuts of that magnitude.

"If we had to do over a trillion dollars in cuts in this department, I have to tell you that the strategy that we developed, we'd probably have to throw that out the window and start over," he said.

Obama campaign adviser David Axelrod downplayed the likelihood that the second round of cuts would actually occur, telling ABC's "This Week" programme, "We expect we're going to deal with that ... during the course of this year." — Reuters

All abuzz over ‘Ethical Clothing

By JOSEPH SIPALAN and JOSEPH KAOS Jr 

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: If you are working at the Defence Ministry, be sure not to wear "clothes that poke eye".

This was one of the many colourful descriptions of "Ethical Clothing" (etika berpakaian) that is acceptable within the ministry's standards.

Netizens on social networking sites were literally ROFL, which is cyberspeak for "rolling on the floor laughing", as they shared the link to the ministry's amusing English translation of the staff dress code on its official website.

Lost in translation: The amusing English translation of the staff dress code on the Defence Ministry website.

"Clothes that poke eye" is a literal translation ofpakaian yang menjolok mata, which is supposed to mean revealing clothes in Bahasa Malaysia. Other finds included: "collared shirts and tight Malay civet berbutang three", which, in Malay, is berkolar baju Melayu cekak musang berbutang tiga.

Baju batik lengan panjang berkolar / cekak musang buatan Malaysia, meanwhile is translated as "long-sleeve batik shirt with collar / mongoose fight made in Malaysia".

There was also "shine closed", which was translated from kasut bertutup, or closed-toe shoes.

Another was the brief summary of the ministry's history on the website, which read: "After the withdrawal of British army, the Malaysian Government take drastic measures to increase the level of any national security threat."

The actual summary in Bahasa Malaysia read:Selepas pengunduran tentera British, Kerajaan Malaysia mengambil langkah drastik untuk meningkatkan tahap keselamatan negara dari sebarang ancaman.

The ministry took down the English translated version several hours after it went widespread on Twitter and Facebook.

A ministry spokesperson said a clarification has since been posted on the website, adding that page hits shot up remarkably yesterday.

The clarification on the website said corrective action was being taken on the related software to ensure translations were accurate. -- The Star Online

Lima 2011 Makes It Into The Malaysia Book Of Records

Langkawi , 11  December 2011 : The Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2011 which ended yesterday entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) as the largest aerospace and maritime exhibition ever organized in this country. With a significant increase in the number of both exhibitors and visitors, LIMA 2011 scored a new Malaysian record with 403 exhibiting companies (including 225 major companies from the industry) and 160,000 visitors over five days (up from 71,000 visitors at LIMA 2009).  Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi enthusiastically pronounced LIMA 2011 as the best one ever, producing not just a massive turnout in exhibitors and visitors, but also in terms of the amount of business and trade generated and enormous boost to the economy. "This event has been more than an exhibition. It proved just how much the Malaysian defense industry is capable of contributing to the country's income," he said during the closing ceremony at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) in Padang Matsirat. Dr Ahmad announced that the Ministry has decided to award the contract for LIMA 2013 again to HW LIMA Sdn Bhd after noting the company's excellent performance this year. He also announced that LIMA 2013 will not be held in December as usual but from 26-30 March instead. According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), business transactions conducted during this year's LIMA registered potential sales worth US$ 43.6 million (RM 137.2 million). It is estimated that around 45,000 spectators showed up to watch the maritime show, compared to about 23,000 during LIMA 2009. -- Source from LADA website

Lim Guan Eng Akui Kemampuan Kapal Selam, Tahap Profesionalisme TLDM

LANGKAWI, 9 Dis (Bernama) -- Selepas melalui pengalaman menyelam bersama kapal selam KD Tun Razak selama satu setengah jam Jumaat, Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng mengakui akan kemampuan kapal selam negara yang sebelum ini menjadi kritikan beberapa pemimpin pembangkang yang dikatakan tidak dapat menyelam. Lim turut menyifatkan pengalamannya menaiki kapal selam buat pertama kali hari ini sebagai sesuatu yang menarik dan mengujakan selain memuji sikap profesionalisme pegawai dan anggota Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM). "Kita menyelam 30 meter. Ia tidak dapat diragukan lagi," katanya kepada pemberita selepas melalui pengalaman menyelam dan tiba dengan helikopter di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Langkawi, di sini hari ini. Lim yang juga Setiausaha Agung DAP berkata beliau sangat tertarik dengan sikap profesionalisme pegawai pemerintah dan anak anak kapal. "Jika anda memasuki kapal selam, ia merupakan ruang terkurung. Bagi 32 pegawai dan kru yang mampu mengendalikannya dalam ruang yang terkurung untuk satu tempoh yang lama, ia adalah sesuatu yang luar biasa dan pencapaian yang hebat. Saya amat bangga dengan mereka," katanya. Katanya beliau menghargai sumbangan wira-wira negara yang berkhidmat untuk negara dan sanggup berkorban untuk negara, dan profesionalisme mereka tidak perlu dipertikaikan. Bagaimanapun, beliau mempunyai pandangan yang berbeza mengenai kos kapal selam itu. "Kita perlu ada kapal selam. Tapi ada satu perkara yang kami mempunyai pandangan sendiri iaitu mengenai kosnya," katanya. Lim berkata beliau dijemput oleh Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi untuk menaiki kapal selam itu dan beliau menerimanya kerana mahu melihat sendiri keadaan kapal selam itu. Bersama Lim menyelam dengan KD Tun Razak adalah kedua-dua Timbalan Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Datuk Mansor Othman dan Dr P Ramasamy. Turut sama berada dalam kapal selam itu adalah tiga wakil media daripada Bernama dan TV3. Sementara itu, Ahmad Zahid yang menyambut Lim di lapangan terbang itu berkata kapal selam KD Tun Razak bergerak 45 batu nautika selama lima jam sejak pukul 10 pagi sebelum dapat menyelam, berikutan keadaan yang cetek di perairan Langkawi. Katanya beliau berharap Lim akan menceritakan perkara sebenar berkenaan pengalaman beliau hari ini supaya isu berkaitan pertahanan tidak dipolitikkan. -- BERNAMA

Pesara Tentera Digalak Sertai Projek Industri Pertahanan Di Sungkai - Zahid

BAGAN DATOH: Pesara tentera Malaysia yang mempunyai kepakaran dalam industri pertahanan terutamanya dalam bidang kejuruteraan digalak menyertai projek Pusat Industri Pertahanan di Sungkai, Tanjung Malim Perak yang dijangka dimulakan dalam suku pertama tahun depan.

Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berkata pesara tentera yang terlibat dalam industri pertahanan harus memanfaatkan projek itu kerana ia membuka peluang besar dalam perniagaan baru selain menjadi pemangkin pertumbuhan ekonomi negara.

Katanya kerajaan meletakkan sasaran pelaburan asing bernilai RM15 bilion apabila pusat industri pertahanan itu beroperasi sepenuhnya nanti.

Beliau berkata sehingga kini sebanyak 25 syarikat pertahanan antarabangsa telah menunjukkan minat iaitu 15 dari Eropah, Amerika Syarikat (lapan) dan dua dari Korea dengan nilai pelaburan bejumlah RM4.73 bilion.

"Selain itu, syarikat dari China dan India juga menunjukkan minat untuk melabur dalam projek berkenaan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas melancarkan jentera pilihan raya umum Ke-13 peringkat Parlimen Bagan Datoh, di sini.

Ahmad Zahid berkata industri pertahanan akan menjadi cabang ekonomi bentuk baru terutamanya dalam industri pembuatan yang bakal menjadi popular di negara ini dan peringkat antarabangsa dalam tempoh terdekat ini.

"Perkembangan bidang industri terbaru ini pasti akan memberi peluang pekerjaan dan perniagaan kepada penduduk tempatan dan pesara tentera terutamanya yang tinggal di sekitar Tanjung Malim.

"Limpahan industri ini turut akan memberi impak kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi bandar berdekatan termasuk Bandar Proton di Tapah, Cameron Highlands dan Kampar apabila projek berkenaan berjaya dilaksanakan sepenuhnya dalam tempoh lima tahun akan datang," katanya. - BERNAMA

LIMA 2011 paling berjaya, tarik 125,000 pengunjung - Zahid

10/12/2011 8:57pm

LANGKAWI 10 Dis. -Pameran Udara dan Maritim Antarabangsa Langkawi 2011 (LIMA "11) akan dapat menarik 125,000 pengunjung apabila ia berakhir di Pusat Pameran Antarabangsa Mahsuri (MIEC) petang ini.

Menteri Pertahanan, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berkata, jumlah pengunjung itu termasuk 34,000 pelawat perdagangan pada segmen udara dalam pameran itu di MIEC.

"Bagi segmen maritim, kita menerima 21,000 pengunjung bagi pelawat kerjaya dan begitu juga 14,000 pelawat kapal," katanya kepada pemberita di sini, hari ini, hari terakhir pada pameran lima hari itu.

Ahmad Zahid menyifatkan edisi ke-11 LIMA sebagai yang paling berjaya sejak ia pertama kali diadakan pada 1991.

Malaysia Book of Records juga mengiktiraf pameran udara LIMA "11 sebagai yang paling besar pernah diadakan di Malaysia dengan menyerahkan sijil itu kepada menteri. - Bernama

Mencari makna kemunculan JUSA dan Turus Korporat — Dr Khir Toyo

7 DIS — Rentetan tulisan saya sebelum ini mengenai kemasukan korporat sebagai pegawai JUSA, ramai yang membantah dan ramai juga yang menyokong. Yang menyokong cadangan kemasukan ini terdiri kebanyakan mereka yang kecewa dengan perkhidmatan kerajaan dan juga mereka yang melihat kumpulan PTD sebagai kumpulan elit yang menguasai pentadbiran utama negara.

 

Jika membaca kenyataan akhbar mengenai cadangan tersebut nyata tumpuan kerajaan bukanlah untuk menaikkan pangkat pegawai kerajaan di luar PTD tetapi untuk membawa masuk tokoh-tokoh korporat sebagai pegawai JUSA Utama dan Turus. Ini bermakna sesiapa sahaja boleh masuk dari luar dan melompat hirarki pentadbiran kerajaan terus menjadi Ketua Setiuasaha Negara dan Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian.

PTD Sebagai Kumpulan Elit?

Saya tidak mempunyai sebarang kepentingan terhadap PTD. Bagi saya, jika mereka cuai, malas, tidak berdisiplin maka tindakan disiplin dan hukuman perlu dikenakan. Namun janganlah diborong semua PTD tidak bertanggungjawab, lemah dan tidak boleh diharap. Ramai yang telah memberi sumbangan besar kepada perjalanan jentera kerajaan sejak dahulu sehingga sekarang.

Untuk menjadi PTD mereka harus melalui beberapa ujian, peperiksaan, tapisan dan saringan yang dilakukan oleh Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam. Justeru jika sesiapa yang berminat untuk memegang jawatan yang dikuasai oleh PTD mereka haruslah melepasi ujian-ujian dan saringan tersebut.

Berdasarkan komen-komen dalam ulasan pertama isu ini, saya faham sebahagian pegawai kerajaan di luar kumpulan PTD kecewa melihat kenaikan pangkat dan gaji mereka tersekat tanpa dapat mencecah kumpulan JUSA.

Bagi saya jika kita mahu memasuki sesuatu bidang maka kita perlu melepasi kehendak dan keperluan bidang tersebut. Jika kita mahu memegang apa-apa jawatan di mana-mana syarikat, agensi mahu pun pasukan keselamatan, maka kita harus melepasi atau memenuhi kehendak-kehendak organisasi terbabit. Demikian juga dengan perkhidmatan dalam PTD.

Saya bersetuju jika pegawai kanan kerajaan yang telah lama berkhidmat diberi peluang melalui saringan PTD dan dimasukkan ke dalam kumpulan JUSA jika layak. Yang saya tidak setuju ialah membawa kumpulan korporat yang tidak memahami pentadbiran kerajaan berada di tingkat atas dalam hirarki kerajaan. Sebenarnya kepakaran kumpulan boleh digunakan oleh kerajaan pada bila-bila masa melalui lantikan sebagai penasihat kepada Menteri atau Perdana Menteri.

Penggubal Polisi dan Pelaksana

Kakitangan kerajaan termasuk JUSA dan Turus adalah pelaksana polisi kerajaan. Terdapat tiga sebab mengapa polisi kerajaan gagal dilaksanakan dengan baik.

Pertamanya, polisi itu sendiri tidak boleh dilaksanakan secara praktikal maka tidak ada apa yang boleh dibuat oleh kakitangan kerajaan termasuk kumpulan JUSA dari korporat pun. Dengan kata lain, polisi yang dibuat oleh kerajaan harus praktikal dan boleh dilaksanakan.

Keduanya, polisi tidak dapat dilaksanakan kerana terdapat terlalu banyak karenah birokrasi dalam kerajaan. Misalnya kelulusan sesuatu peruntukan atau bantuan perlu melalui pelbagai peringkat jabatan sehingga membabitkan tiga atau empat tandatagan. Dalam keadaan ini, kemasukan tokoh korporat dari luar sebagai Ketua Setiausaha pun tidak akan mampu mengatasi isu ini jika prosedur sedia ada tidak berubah.

Ketiga, sikap sambil lewa pegawai kerajaan. Dalam setandan pisang pasti ada yang tidak baik. Maka proses motivasi, kaunseling, amaran, hukuman bersifat simbolik dan tindakan tatatertib perlu dibuat. Jangan kerana sekumpulan pegawai yang bermasalah maka seluruh kelompok PTD dipersalahkan. Jangan marahkan nyamuk, kelambu dibakar.

Jika dilihat daripada ketiga-tiga sebab ini, kemasukan orang korporat ke dalam kerajaan tidak memberi apa-apa kesan jika keadaan tersebut tidak berubah terutamanya dari segi penggubalan polisi yang tidak mapan. Malah seorang tokoh korporat yang hebat pun tidak akan mampu membuat sebarang perubahan jika beliau terikat kepada birokrasi yang sama.

Siapa Pembuat Polisi?

Ada yang mengatakan bahawa kemasukan kumpulan korporat sebagai JUSA akan memantapkan lagi polisi negara. Apakah ini bermakna Perdana Menteri telah hilang kepercayaan kepada kemampuan para Menterinya untuk memimpin Kementeriannya membentuk polisi-polisi yang baik untuk negara dan diterima rakyat.

Soalnya siapa yang sepatutnya membuat polisi, Menteri atau JUSA? Jika JUSA korporat akan diberi tanggungjawab membuat polisi, Menteri jadi apa? Tukang angguk?

Sesuatu polisi kerajaan harus dirangka dan difahami oleh Menteri sebelum diminta pegawai kerajaan melaksanakannya. Adalah tugas menteri untuk berfikir, mencari pandangan pihak luar sama ada di kalangan ahli korporat, ahli akademik mahupun pakar-pakar dalam bidang tertentu sebelum Kementeriannya menggubal polisi untuk di bawa ke kabinet bagi kelulusan.

Apakah daripada 140 orang ahli Parlimen Barisan Nasional ini tidak ada yang pintar, cerdik dan mampu berfikir, seperti ahli tokoh-tokoh yang hendak dibawa masuk sebagai JUSA, untuk dilantik sebagai Menteri?

Masalah Individu Korporat

Kebanyakan mereka di dalam bidang korporat merupakan kumpulan manusia yang berorientasikan materialistik dan keuntungan organisasi. Apakah mereka mampu menyesuaikan diri dengan persekitaran kerajaan yang lebih berorientasikan keuntungan kepada rakyat dan masyarakat melebihi keuntungan kepada kerajaan?

Jangan nanti kemasukan JUSA luar ini menjadikan mereka kumpulan yang lebih berkuasa daripada Menteri. Ini akan menyebabkan banyak polisi kerajaan tidak lagi mengambil kira kepentingan rakyat dan survival Barisan Nasional. Lihat sahaja apa yang berlaku kepada Syarikat-syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (Government-Linked Company - GLC). Adakah mereka ini menambahkan kasih sayang rakyat kepada kerajaan dan Barisan Nasional atau sebaliknya?

Jangan nanti kerajaan sudah menjadi organisasi korporat yang akhirnya dibenci rakyat kerana polisi-polisi yang digubal oleh kumpulan ini. — drkhir.com

* Dr Khir Toyo adalah ADUN Sungai Panjang dan bekas Menteri Besar Selangor.

Eurofighter Typhoon Visits LIMA for First Time

16:55 GMT, November 26, 2011 The Eurofighter Typhoon will be flying across the skies of Langkawi for the first time as a UK Royal Air Force aircraft participates in one of the most important global defence and security shows, LIMA 2011, which takes place in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 6-10 December.  Just a few days after particpating at the Dubai Air Show and with aircraft still in Malaysia following Exercise BERSAMA LIMA, the Typhoon will excite the crowds with displays demonstrating its incredible agility and speed.  Four RAF Typhoon aircraft from 6 Squadron flew from their base in Scotland to the Royal Malaysian Air Force airbase in Butterworth, Malaysia to take part in Exercise BERSAMA LIMA marking the 40th Anniversary of the Five Powers Defence Arrangement (FPDA), and whilst in the region wanted to reflect the importance of the air force to air force relationship by attending this prestigious exhibition.  Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most advanced multi-role combat aircraft. It meets current and future fast combat air needs and provides best-in-class combat effectiveness and operational flexibility. The Typhoon is capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations from air policing and peace support, through to high intensity conflict. Typhoon aircraft have recently been deployed on operations and have performed exceptionally well, demonstrating outstanding levels of availability and maintainability.  BAE Systems' Typhoon Test Pilot, Nat Makepeace, spoke about flying during the show:  "I am delighted to be at LIMA 2011 flying the Eurofighter Typhoon. I am hoping to show the tremendous power and agility of this fantastic aircraft during the daily displays. It is a wonderful opportunity to be in Malaysia and I am very grateful to have the chance to fly the aircraft during this international air show".  At the show, Eurofighter will display a selection of the capabilities of the Typhoon, including:  • Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The large aircraft nose allows for an optimised array with the addition of an innovative re-positioner to broaden the field of regard to more than 200 degrees, some 50% wider than traditional fixed plate AESA radar systems. • The most advanced Helmet Mounted Symbology System (HMSS) which forms a key component of the Eurofighter Typhoon weapon system improving tactical performance for Eurofighter pilots by providing essential flight and weapon aiming information through line of sight imagery. Information imagery includes aircraft's flight parameters, weapons status and aiming all projected on the HEA (Helmet Equipment Assembly) visor. • The Meteor missile, considered the "game changer" in terms of kill probablity thanks to its dynamic performances, speed and range. • Eurojet's EJ200 engine, the most advanced military engine available on the market.

Company or Organisation Contact: Louise Robson  Head of Communications – East BAE Systems  Tel: +603 2160 2106  Mob: +44 7525 390707 Email: louise.robson @baesystems.com  Marco Valerio Bonelli Head of PR & Communications Eurofighter GmbH Tel.: +49 811 80 1555 Mob: +49 172 842 6017 E-Mail: marco-valerio.bonelli @eurofighter.com  Adam Thomas Senior Press Officer  UKTI DSO  Mob: +44 7775 817 835.  Email: adam.thomas @ukti.gsi.gov.uk

Hotel Jamin Tiada Kenaikan Harga Bilik Semasa Lima

27 November, 2011 12:19 PM

LANGKAWI, 27 Nov (Bernama) -- Persatuan Hotel-hotel Kedah dan Perlis memberi jaminan harga sewa bilik semasa Pameran Maritim dan Udara Antarabangsa Langkawi 2011 (Lima 2011) yang bermula 6 Dis ini tidak akan dinaikkan.

Pengerusi persatuan itu, Rasli Sulaiman berkata semua 25 anggota gabungannya yang mengusahakan hotel bertaraf empat bintang telah dimaklumkan mengenai keputusan tidak menaikkan kadar sewa.

"Mereka diingatkan tidak mengambil kesempatan menaikkan harga bilik," katanya sambil menambah pihaknya telah berbincang dengan Kementerian Pertahanan mengenai kadar harga yang wajar semasa Lima 2011 berlangsung.

Beliau berkata tempahan yang diterima sepanjang Lima 2011 berlangsung amat menggalakan manakala chalet-chalet di sepanjang Pantai Cenang juga mendapat tempahan yang tinggi.

Lima 2011 edisi ke-11 berlangsung dari 6 Dis hingga 11. Dis, menyaksikan penyertaan lebih 400 syarikat dari 35 negara.

-- BERNAMA

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