MERSING: The country's Grup Gerak Khas regiment must be equipped with the best and latest equipment in order to efficiently carry out their duties, whether on land, at sea or in the air.
Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said besides having a good organisation and skilled personnel, the regiment must also be equipped with the latest and most suitable hardware.
"I would like to remind those who are responsible for procuring equipment for the regiment to properly evaluate the quality of the equipment before buying them. The equipment needs to be tested, and the suppliers have to prove the ability of the products that they are supplying.
"For example, the supplier of bullet-proof vests needs to wear the vest and allow a commando to shoot at him. Only when the vests are proven to be safe and effective can we accept them," said Sultan Ibrahim, who is Colonel Commandant of the regiment.
He said the life of each of the commandos is very precious, and should not be gambled with by dishonest parties or those who want to take advantage.
"All outdated equipment has to be replaced with the newest and most advanced equipment that is up-to-date, with the latest technology," said Sultan Ibrahim.
His Majesty said this in his address at the regiment's 52nd anniversary celebration at Kem Iskandar here.
Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Army chief General Tan Sri Zulkiple Kasim.
Zulkiple was presented with an honorary green beret at the event.
In his address, Sultan Ibrahim chided ministers, deputy ministers and Armed Forces brass for failing to fulfil promises made during his time as the regiment's Colonel Commandant.
"When I became the Colonel Commandant seven years ago, a lot of promises were made and unfortunately, until today, some of them remain unfulfilled.
"Today, I ask again: Where is the diving pool that should have been built in this camp?
“I was also promised a palace to be built in this camp, but until today, there is no sign of it.
"I hope the present leaders will take the responsibility to fulfil these promises," said Sultan Ibrahim.
He said he also wants Kem Iskandar to be the best army camp in the country, and become an example for other camps.
"Therefore, all maintenance works at the facilities in this camp have to be taken seriously. I suggest that the Army chief look at the deteriorating conditions of the buildings here (for himself).
"The Johor government has been generous in providing the land to build the camp, so in return, the Defence Ministry should provide the funds to care for and maintain the buildings and facilities here," said Sultan Ibrahim.