Mohamed Khaled urges ROTU members to join the Malaysian Armed Forces as they best fit the criteria, having undergone basic military training. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
TANJUNG MALIM: The Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU) members should join the Malaysian Armed Forces, or the reserve or volunteer forces upon graduating, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the forces required talented individuals with technology savvy backgrounds, skills, training and knowledge.
He said ROTU members have undergone basic military training focusing on discipline, skills and knowledge, and they best fit the criteria.
Mohamed Khaled described the call as a patriotic appeal, stating that ROTU members had a greater responsibility compared to their peers outside.
“As a new generation raised in the era of technology, the reality is that the armed forces require such individuals.
“Secondly, the armed forces need talented individuals from various backgrounds and fields of knowledge.
“ROTU members, who are university students, have already undergone basic military training.
“This will allow all of you to contribute to the country in a larger and more effective capacity compared to those who did not join ROTU,” he said during the inaugural executive lecture with ROTU members at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris here on Sept 5.
Present were Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, acting Royal Malaysian Navy chief Vice Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, and Royal Malaysian Air Force deputy chief Lt-Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
Mohamed Khaled said to encourage more ROTU members to join the armed forces, from next year the ministry would also provide 100 places, where the best would be chosen under a “special path”.
He said the ministry would also consider absorbing part of the 100 chosen ROTU members’ National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayments.
He added that to attract the best talents from ROTU, the ministry was also currently reviewing the processes, conditions and training regimes used to recruit reserve and volunteer force members.
“This is to make the (regime) suitable, competitive and capable of reaching our goals.
“For example, to attract more reserve and volunteer force members to be active in the field, we are reviewing the allowances and also looking at how companies are able to provide time off for their staff who are interested to join the force.
“So we will see the needs accordingly, and make changes that are suitable to attract more of them to join, including ROTU members,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled advised the members not to waste all the training, exposure and experience gained.
“I am sure your involvement in ROTU at university is not to just fulfil the co-curricular requirements or a way to pass your time.
“I believe that all of you joined to portray your patriotism, and to show your love for the country.
“While I greatly appreciate your participation in ROTU, I also genuinely hope that your interest and commitment will continue upon your graduation,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled said even if they wished to pursue their careers elsewhere, members could join the reserve or volunteer forces.
He added that the call for ROTU members to join the armed forces is being made because the defence reality today has changed and become more complex.
“Just because our country is peaceful, and we are not engaged in conflicts or wars, it does not mean that we are not facing threats.
“Our understanding of traditional threats such as communist attacks or wars is no longer sufficient, because in reality, non-traditional elements such as extreme environmental phenomena, food scarcity crisis, cyberattacks and the ability and efficiency to mobilise humanitarian and disaster aid have all become part of the critical non-traditional threats to national defence.
“Technological sophistication such as artificial intelligence, data manipulation, analytics and hacking activities have become increasingly prominent and frightening.
“Then we have unmanned aerial vehicles like drones that have changed the dynamics, and the way armed combat is conducted, and similarly in the context of cybersecurity,” he added.
Mohamed Khaled said the duties and sacrifice of the armed forces who safeguard the sovereignty of the country at all times are not easy.
“Therefore, appreciate all their contributions and sacrifices as they never complain or neglect their responsibilities to the country,” he said.
