By

: DATO' SRI MOHD NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK

PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA

Venue

Date

: 02/12/2009

Title

: LIMA '09 GALA DINNER

LANGKAPURI BALLROOM, MAHSURI INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE,

LANGKAWI

INTRODUCTION
1.
First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all delegates and
exhibitors to the island of Langkawi and Malaysia for the Langkawi International Maritime and
Aerospace Exhibition.
2.
It is indeed a great pleasure for me to be here tonight for the 10 th Anniversary of LIMA.
The development of LIMA is something close to my own heart. I have the distinct honour of
being involved in its inaugural staging in 1991 during my first tour as Minister of Defence. In
total I have been personally involved in 6 LIMAs during my fourteen years and two tours at
MINDEF. So you could safely say that I have clocked a lot of flying hours. ( In fighter pilots
parlance I am already an ace)
3.
It is not by chance or accident that at present LIMAs is one of the worlds foremost
maritime and aerospace events, a focal point for the defence and security community and a
mainstay in the global defence calendar. I am happy to note that qualitatively each edition of
LIMA is an improvement over the previous. This I believe is the result of meticulous planning,
dedication and commitment by the organiser. Congratulations.
4.
Despite the less than sterling global economic environment that we are currently in I
am encouraged with the ability of LIMA to continue attracting exhibitors, trade visitors and
delegates. Although this year saw a decrease of exhibitors as compared to LIMA 07 I was
informed that in the maritime component 96 ships participated in the static exhibition, the
most of any LIMA. Adding to the above facts and figures nearly 200 members of the press from
14 countries are here to report on LIMA. Their presence speaks volumes about its vibrancy.

REGIONAL DEFENCE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

Ladies and Gentlemen,
5.
It is reported that ASEANs defence and security spending will exceed USD 350 billion in
the years leading up to 2020. Indeed, Asias defence market provides many opportunities for
manufacturers, as regional governments seek to modernize their Air Forces, Navies, Coast
Guards and security agencies.
6.
Evidence of this is clear in the signing of multiple defence contracts during this edition
of LIMA. I am informed that the total value of business generated at LIMA this year is currently
at a very impressive RM 9.8 Billion. I am confident that as we progress deeper into the week,
this figure will breach the RM 10 billion mark. Proof that all is well in the defence industry.
7.
I am not in any way advocating greater defence spending especially as we adjusts to a
world economy still reeling from the global financial meltdown. However, we need to be
constantly reminded in this day and age of globalisation that for global security to be enduring
it cannot be the work of one nation or a group of nations but it must be the work of every
nation acting in concert. Everybody must contribute their fair share in ensuring global peace
and security. No nation can afford to abdicate their responsibility, leaving others with the
burden of meeting the current global challenges.
8.
For Malaysia, the incidences in the Gulf of Aden, where two Malaysian oil tankers were
taken hostage, is a prime example why global cooperation is important. In the final analysis
global security is interlinked. In a globalised world instability in one country however
geographically removed will eventually impact all, only the degrees differ.
9.
As a peace loving trading nation Malaysia sees its ultimate interest is in consonant
with all other peace loving nations, a world where conflicts are replaced by constructive
engagements and free trade, where alliances of arms is replaced by alliances to fight global
hunger, communicable diseases and the challenges stemming from climate change.

INVESTING IN MALAYSIA
Ladies and Gentlemen,
10.
Where the medium and long term outlook for the maritime and aerospace industries is
concerned, Malaysia is well positioned to take advantage of any future growth opportunities.
Malaysias strategic location, competitive costs, skilled and talented work force and first-class
infrastructure provides an excellent environment for investment.
11.
Malaysia has already shown considerable commitment towards developing and
facilitating sustainable partnerships recognising that aviation and maritime infrastructure is
critical to national development and global integration, especially in strategic areas such as
Original Equipment Manufacturers, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul in support of our
defence industry. Our shipyards, are already building for overseas clients especially for the
Middle East.
12.
My government will continue to be business friendly. We will continue to build on the
foundations for growth that has seen the Malaysian aerospace industry more than double in
value over this decade, from RM10.8 billion in 2001 to RM 24.5 billion in 2008. This uptrend is
set to continue this year, even under extreme pressure from the current state of the world
economy; with total industry revenue for 2009 expected to increase by 7% to RM26.2 billion.
13.
Within the period of the last decade, Malaysia has managed to attract Foreign Direct
Investment from some of the leading manufacturing and MRO companies in the world, namely
Honeywell Aerospace Avionics and Spirit Aerosystems, General Electric, Eurocopter, Hamilton
Sundstrand, Parker Hannifin, Agusta Westland and AAR to name a few. With their presence
here in Malaysia, local companies will have the opportunity to access Tier 1 leadership and with
it, work packages from both United States and Europe. A prime example being the contract
between CTRM Aero Composites and Spirit Aerosystems.

CONCLUSION
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14.
I would to congratulate the Ministry of Defence, especially its Minister, YB Dato Seri Dr
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on a very successful LIMA 09. And of course to Vice Admiral Tan Sri Abdul
Wahab Nawi and HW LIMA Sdn Bhd, the organisers. I would also like to thank YB Dato Sri Dr Ng
Yen Yen and the Ministry of Tourism for their active participation to enhance LIMA 09 this year.
15.
To the 244 delegates whom have taken time off their busy schedules to be in Langkawi
this week, thank you. I hope that you will make it a point to enjoy Langkawi and come back,
hopefully as tourists. I am sure that Dato Sri Dr Ng will be more than happy to welcome you.
16.
My sincerest gratitude to all exhibitors and sponsors that have come out in support of
LIMA 09. And I hope you will continue to do so for the next show.
Ladies and gentlemen, do enjoy the rest of the evening. Thank you.