Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

General (GEN) Tan Sri Dato' Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang (left) calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

The Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) General (GEN) Tan Sri Dato' Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon. During their meeting, Dr Ng and GEN Affendi affirmed Singapore and Malaysia's long-standing bilateral defence ties and discussed how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and MAF could strengthen cooperation to deal with common security challenges in the region. While at MINDEF, GEN Affendi also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and reviewed a Guard of Honour.

GEN Affendi is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 9 to 12 February 2020. As part of his programme, he visited the 2nd People's Defence Force at Clementi Camp, where he observed a Peace-Time Contingency Operations (PTCO) demonstration. He also viewed a static display of Army assets and weapon systems, and embarked on a familiarisation ride on the Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle. On 11 February, GEN Affendi will view the aerial and static displays, and tour the booths at the Singapore Airshow 2020 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. He will also visit RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base in the afternoon, where he will be hosted at the Information Fusion Centre and aboard the Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme.

GEN Affendi's visit underscores the long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The SAF and the MAF interact regularly through a wide range of activities, including bilateral exercises, visits and exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, as well as through multilateral platforms like the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. These interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and professional ties between personnel of both armed forces.

GEN Affendi inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.

GEN Affendi (centre), accompanied by Commander of 2nd People’s Defence Force (2 PDF), Brigadier-General Dinesh Vasu Dash (left), interacting with 2 PDF soldiers and viewing the Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank at Clementi Camp.

GEN Affendi (left) and Dr Ng (third from right) viewing the Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-15SG aerial display at the Singapore Airshow 2020, together with senior officials.

GEN Affendi (second from right), accompanied by Deputy Fleet Commander, Colonel Ooi Tjin Kai (second from left), visiting the bridge of RSS Supreme.