Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the white paper is currently in its “final stages”.

“It is the first such document in the country. We referred to other countries which have also developed defence white papers such as Brunei, Australia, New Zealand and Germany,” he told an event for journalists hosted by his ministry today.

He said the ministry has been engaging with experts including academics specialising in defence procurement.

The Defence White Paper will among others outline the armed forces’ direction and strategies, as well as on matters of funding and manpower.

Meanwhile, Mohamad today also announced that a charity dinner will be organised soon in conjuction with the ministry’s Tabung Pahlawan campaign to help army veterans. It will be attended by Dr Siti Hasmah Ali.