KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 – The intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah by terrorists from southern Philippines in February has opened the eyes of many on the importance of patriotism among the populace. The totally unexpected intrusion which shed blood, calls for strong patriotic spirit among Malaysians from all ethnic communities to jointly shoulder the responsibility of protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
If the cord of unity tightly knotted by Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun V.T. Sambanthan and several others could contribute to the country achieving independence, the time has come for the people to strengthen unity and defend Malaysia from foreign elements.
While the security forces were still busy trying to flush out the remnants of the group of the armed Sulu intruders in Sabah, good news came recently, boosting the spirit of members of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). The announcement by the government, that from January 2013, the scheme of
services of PDRM and ATM would be on par with the General Public Services, which should be able to attract more people into joining the security forces.
Malaysian Ex-Servicemen’s Association (PBTM) former president Datuk Muhammad Abdul Ghani said the involvement of all communities was important so that Malaysia’s image as a multiracial nation could be upheld, in line with the 1Malaysia concept. Reflecting on the 1960’s, he said, the involvement of non-Malays in the security forces was commendable at 20 per cent compared to now and the situation must be seriously looked into, he said when contacted by Bernama.
Asked if there were factors which curbed their participation in the military, Muhammad said some regarded the salary as abysmal but insisted that it should not only be a question of salary but service to the nation. He said numerous initiatives were carried out to encourage the Chinese and Indians to join the military, and the latest was the salary hike.
The contribution of non-Bumiputeras in protecting public security and peace was as important as that of the Bumiputeras, he said.
A police officer who only wanted to be identified as Shasitharan said, a person should not give up easily when not picked during an interview. With the salary increase, he said, non-Bumiputeras should take advantage of the opportunity of having a promising career and a good, stable future. Inspector Siti Fatimah Az Zahrah Sulaimaan from the Keningau district police headquarters in Sabah said that individuals keen to join the security forces must be mentally and physically prepared to carry out their duties.
Sharing the view, Universiti Malaysia Perlis undergraduate Yong Jin Foong who joined the Reserve Officers Training Unit (ROTU), said many withdrew because they could not adapt to the tough discipline. On his interest in the national defence force, Yong said it was due to the encouragement and support from his family who wanted to see their son serve the
country.
BERNAMA
