Mohamad, who began duties today, said several of the paper’s strategic planning steps to strengthen the armed forces were already being implemented well by the ministry.

“I have seen that it has been done well … I will continue what Mindef and the armed forces have done and will strengthen it as needed,” he said.

“My priority, along with the ministry leadership and all three branches of service, is to ensure the white paper is implemented successfully,” he told the media after attending a briefing session with Mindef secretary-general Muez Abd Aziz and the chief of defence forces Gen Affendi Buang.

Mohamad, who is known as Tok Mat, said he would also ensure that the defence industry and national security policy is successful.

“The policy is a framework that will drive our direction and establish a foundation for the development of our defence industry and national security till 2030.

“It’s a collaboration in policy development with the home ministry and several related agencies in the matters of national security. I am committed to ensure it can be realised and placed on the right track,” Mohamad said.

He said he would also beef up military equipment and improve the welfare of armed forces personnel and veterans.

Mohamad began his official duties at Mindef by clocking-in at his office at 3.19pm.

He was greeted by Muez, Affendi and army chief Gen Zamrose Zain, along with ministry staff, on his arrival at 3pm and received a salute from a guard of honour by the First Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment.