Crisis kills joint military exercises

Crisis kills joint military exercises

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The economic crisis that has crippled many
Southeast Asian nations has forced the cancellation of joint
military exercises between Malaysia and Thailand, a daily said
yesterday.

The decision to cancel the annual "Thamal" exercise was made
Wednesday at a meeting between Malaysian and Thai military
officials in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian delegation head Lt. Gen.
Abdul Aziz Hassan was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.

The exercises were held last year before the full impact of
the economic crisis hit the region. The navies of the two nations
also held joint exercises last year, the daily said.

Like most countries in the region, Malaysia has been forced to
cancel planned weapons and helicopter purchases and overseas
training programs for defense personnel.