LUMUT: Global modernisation has revolutionised the Royal Malaysian Navy's Special Warfare Forces (Paskal) in terms of defence equipment, technology, weaponry, and even military training.
Naval Special Forces commander First Admiral Datuk Mohd Redzuan Talib said the development of Paskal needs to be in line with the current modernisation and changing landscape of global challenges.
"Paskal members today are well-trained and equipped with high technology equipment and armaments to carry out the missions entrusted to them.
"The inventory and combat equipment are currently technological assets that bring Paskal in line with technological changes and the threat of modern era warfare.
"Paskal is complete, and the physical equipment's ability is complete, too. What needs to be focused on is the development of their (Paskal members) thinking, to have to move forward-thinking, and be able to progress further," he said.
Redzuan said this in a press conference after attending the 40th Anniversary of Paskal at Paskal Training Centre in KD Panglima Garang, at the Royal Malaysian Navy base here today.
Also present were Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany and Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abd Aziz.
In terms of training, Redzuan said that Paskal has established training cooperation with the United States Navy and the special forces unit of the Australian Army.
"We continue to exchange training and technology between these countries. We even received contributions and equipment from the US," he said.
As for Paskal recruitment, Redzuan said that for this year, a total of 280 applications were received, but only 16 people were selected.
"We only select 16 people because what is important is not the quantity, but the quality," he said.