More Chinese youths joining military, says commander
by Peter Boon, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on April 18, 2012, Wednesday
BETTER FACILITIES SOON: Soldiers from the Mile 14 camp are seen during training in this file photo.
Commander of Ninth Malaysian Infantry Brigadier General Datuk Stephen Mundaw said yesterday that although the number was still small, the response had been very positive thus far.
“If you look at the recruitment rolled out by Wataniah, they have been responding. In Sibu and Miri, we are getting better response now,” Mundaw told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from the new office-bearers of Sibu Golf Club (SGC) led by its new president Lau Kah Ding at his office in Fong Ming Road here.
He was asked reasons for the lukewarm response from the community in joining the military.
“I think they have been responding — it is a matter of explaining how they can be part of the regular force or part of Wataniah (part-time).
“If you look at the number of Chinese joining Wataniah 510 – there is a substantial number who are interested because we explained to them how they can take part,” Mundaw said.
He figured in the past, the information might not have been properly disseminated or they had other interests.
“But the good thing is that they are coming forward.”
Asked if the better response from Chinese youths was attributed to a change in mindset, he replied in the affirmative.
“We are dealing with generation X and Y now — the new group of people who have different perceptions, requirements and needs,” the commander said.
Nonetheless, he felt being in the military they needed to explain to the people what they were doing and their involvement in nation building.
“It is important for us to explain to the public how we contribute in times of crisis and non-crisis.
“And in peace time like what we have been enjoying, how do we contribute — we are still part and parcel of security for development to take place.
“In that way, people will be able to see the value and the relevancy of the military,” Mundaw said.
Earlier, he received a letter from the executive committee of SGC, appointing him as their vice-president .
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