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hehehe can't tell you what it is!

Cut defence budget: Suaram

PETALING JAYA (April 15, 2013): Local human rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has called on the new federal government formed after the 13th general election to cut its defence budget to below 1% GDP and allocate more funds for health, education and social services.

In a press statement issued today in conjunction with the Global Day of Action on Military Spending, Suaram adviser Dr Kua Kia Soong said military spending has to be curbed to allow money to be used for productive investments.

"Malaysia's annual defence budget of around RM10 billion makes up 2% of GDP. Military spending and arms production are green issues. The military industrial complex not only produces toxic products, they produce items that kill indiscriminately."

"The emergent green movement in Malaysia has a responsibility to work toward an end to the culture of war. This involves reordering our financial priorities away from wasteful and destructive arms production to the social well-being of the people," he said.

He criticised the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat coalition for not addressing the defence budget in their manifestos while announcing various handouts with no indication of where the money would come from.

"The recent altercation in Lahad Datu against the Sulu sultan's 'rag tag army' should not be a pretext for the government to embark upon expensive defence procurements.

"Priority should be given to resolving historical issues amicably and to ensure our security forces have the best preservation equipment such as helmets and bullet-proof vests," he said, adding that the new government should be working with Asean to pool resources and slash military spending as a commitment to Asean's zone of peace, friendship and neutrality and spiritual values.