Malaysia to join military exercises

Malaysia to join military exercises

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will resume military exercises with Singapore and three other countries next year under the Five Power Defense Arrangement (FPDA), a senior minister said on Sunday.

"We will go on (participating in the military exercises) based on our ability," Syed Hamid Albar, defense minister was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama.

Malaysia withdrew from this year's joint-military exercises at the last minute due to the country's economic crisis.

The 27-year-old defense arrangement was set up to protect Malaysia and Singapore from the threat of communists.

It also involves Australia, Britain and New Zealand, and aims to promote regional security.