King: They must continue to be strengthened, in line with our goals
KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed his satisfaction over the achievements and high performance by the Armed Forces.
His Majesty, who is Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, advised its top leadership to continue enhancing control and governance, as well as professionalism, to ensure that the respected force remains steadfast as the country’s core pillar of defence.
“Moving forward, the Armed Forces must continue to be strengthened, in line with the nation’s goals to shape a future force capable of safeguarding national sovereignty and at the same time address complex global geopolitical challenges,” His Majesty said during an event held in conjunction with the end of his reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 30.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was also present at the event at the Perdana Camp in Sungai Besi here yesterday.
Sultan Abdullah said the Armed Forces had shown unwavering loyalty to King and country since its inception. Therefore, the aspiration towards the formation of a credible and high-capacity armed forces in the future should be made the national agenda, said Sultan Abdullah.
His Majesty also wants the welfare and wellbeing of forces’ personnel to be prioritised, apart from the building of high-quality human capital, which is the main pillar in supporting the aspirations of future generations.
The King also praised army personnel for their consistent show of bravery, regardless of the circumstances, weather, or personal comfort, be it in navigating the oceans or the air space, or facing the wilderness, both locally and internationally.
Utmost appreciation: Sultan Abdullah watching the farewell parade by the Armed Forces with Tunku Azizah, who is visibly moved by the event, at the Perdana Camp in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. Also present is Tengku Hassanal. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Citing an example, Tuanku said Armed Forces members were on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control order, to ensure that the country’s administrative structure and security remained steadfast and secure.
“Even during disasters, the Armed Forces are among the first agencies to arrive to help the people affected by the disaster,” said His Majesty.
The King also praised the efforts displayed by the Armed Forces at the international level, with many of them who had bravely served, together with soldiers from other countries, in various United Nations missions.
“Praise and much respect for the Armed Forces’ capabilities when serving with foreign military forces, clearly indicating that they have successfully made strides from a counter-insurgency force to a conventional force that can be manoeuvred in various dimensions, theatres and assignment domains,” said His Majesty.
Tuanku also said the Armed Forces can be improved further through the synergy of close cooperation between the government, society as a whole, and the Armed Forces itself.
“Therefore, the Armed Forces needs to be ready and open to go through the transformation process to create a collaborative landscape across agencies to achieve one goal and one objective for our beloved country.”
The King also expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering loyalty and devotion to service displayed by all personnel during his reign.
Sultan Abdullah said that both he and the Raja Permaisuri Agong appreciate the sacrifices made by the family members of Armed Forces personnel, for continuously providing support to allow their loved ones to serve the country.
Their Majesties also prayed for the country to continue to be blessed with Allah’s grace and lasting protection for the nation’s heroes and heroines who bravely serve the country.
After the ceremony, as the sending-off, the royal couple rode in a horse carriage and led a procession from Wisma Perwira Tentera Darat to the main control post of Perdana Camp, accompanied by 14 horses from the Royal Armoured Corps’ Ceremonial Mounted Squadron, with Armed Forces personnel lining the street.
Before boarding the carriage, the royal couple joined a prayer led by the Armed Forces’ Religious Corps director-general, Major General Datuk Mohd Rashidi Bujai.
Cries of “Menjunjung Kasih Tuanku,” as the royal couple led the procession from Perdana Camp, were the symbolic end of Sultan Abdullah’s reign as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
