Be committed — Taib

by Lim How Pim. Posted on October 4, 2010, Monday

The army is always at the front line, so it must be alert to all possible threats

KUCHING: The Territorial Army in the state must be committed towards its regular training and fully understand its job and responsibilities.

FULLY COMMITTED: Taib (second right) receives the Brigadier General (Honorary) rank from Zahid. Looking on are Defence Forces chief General Tan Sri Azizan Ariffin (right) and Army chief General Datuk Zukifeli Mohd Zin (second left). — Bernama photo

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said it had to be well prepared for any kind of tasks assigned to it.

“As far as defence is concerned, we must remember that we have to be ever ready for any emergencies or incidents.

“As the army is always at the front line, it must be alert to all possible threats,” he said before receiving the Brigadier General (Honorary) rank from Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at a simple ceremony here yesterday.

Taib, who is patron for the state Territorial Army Supporters’ Committee (JAKPAW), was glad to note that there were two such regiments in the state.

“Sarawak has shown strong commitment towards serving and defending the country. Our army selflessly risks its lives to protect the country, and we shall not take this for granted.

“We must also realise that as civilians we are also duty bound to defend the country,” he said.

He was also pleased that nine more Territorial Army squads had been launched in the parliamentary constituencies of Sibu, Igan, Lanang, Julau, Kanowit, Batang Sadong, Mambong, Batang Lupar and Tanjung Manis.

Earlier, Zahid called on the state government to build more camps for the Territorial Army in the state. He said Taib had done the state proud for he is the first in Malaysia to have been bestowed the rank.

“Although the Territorial Army represents the second level of defence of the country, it is elected through standard procedures and it takes pride in discharging its duties.

“It is doing all it can to provide a conducive environment for development and progress,” said Zahid.

He pointed out that the Territorial Army had nothing to do with politics and hence it discharged its duties without fear or favour.

“We also hope that more individuals would come forward to volunteer themselves to defend the country.” Zahid suggested that Taib help encourage the private sector to allow its employees to take part in more volunteerism programmes.

“If private corporations give the green light to their employees, more will become part of us. However, many of these corporations are quite stubborn,” lamented Zahid.

At the ceremony, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani was bestowed the rank of Colonel.

Morshidi is the chairman of the state JAKPAW and Commander for Territorial Army Regiment 511

(sumber: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=66535)