Singapore, Malaysia, N.Z. exercise proposed

Press, 10 February 1988, Page 6

Singapore, Malaysia, N.Z. exercise proposed

PA Wellington Singapore and Malaysia have been invited to take part in a major threenation military exercise in New Zealand, said the Minister of Defence, Mr Tizard. Malaysia was “very definitely interested” and Singapore was thinking about it. . The exercise, called “Golden Fleece," is planned for February and March, 1989. New Zealand has in the past exercised separately with Malaysian and Singapore troops. Mr Tizard, who has just returned from South-East Asia, said the Malaysians might not exercise alongside the Singaporeans in New Zealand, but “agin them”. “We (have) got to have hostile forces and defending forces,” he said, without further elaboration. Mr Tizard said the Singapore Government was quite relaxed about New Zealand’s planned withdrawal of troops. The island nation now had a substantial defence industry and was putting a lot of emphasis on sophisticated weapons. The country also had military links with Taiwan. Mr Tizard said the Singaporeans did not have a vast interest in New Zealand’s proposals for reciprocal military manoeuvres. “They will send the odd one (defence group to New Zealand),” he said. The Malaysians were very much more reluctant to see New Zealand leave the region, he said. One general noted that Britain was leaving Hong Kong in 1997 and said the Americans would leave the Philippines as well, Mr Tizard said. He said he understood Malaysia’s concern. It did not have a sophisticated defence industry and had a large area to defend. On

the positive side though, Mr Tizard said, Malaysia’s relationship with Indonesia (a past enemy) had improved considerably.

He had spoken to Indonesian leaders during his trip and “things seemed much more relaxed down there.” Malaysia and Indonesia had been co-operating over surveillance over the Malacca Straits, and the supervision of fishing in the area. New Zealand will send the two frigates and its new tanker to exercise with Malaysia and separately with Indonesia in June or July this year.

Asked if this could become regular, Mr Tizard said, “If we are going to dispose forces as intended, I see it as perfectly reasonable.”

Mr Tizard confirmed that the New Zealand Army Battalion and Air Force support unit in Singapore will be withdrawn to Linton after the last exercise in Malaysia in July next year.

A forward planning and contact unit of 12 to 14 people would remain, possibly housed at the New Zealand Force Headquarters in the Sembawang shipyard.

The Fernleaf Club, a small two-storey motel and pool complex could be retained for accommodation.

New Zealand had promised it would not dump all its housing stock on the market at once, but release it slowly, said Mr Tizard.

Talks were also being held with Britain and Australia on whether they wanted to continue a three-way interest with New Zealand in part of the Sembawng wharf area for further ship visits.