KUALA LUMPUR: The awarding of United Nations' Service Medal to Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-10 personnel for their services in Lebanon was in recognition of Malaysian military's ability to maintain peace, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad, in a tweet, said the award was proof of excellence and commitment shown by Malbatt 850-10 personnel in carrying out their duties as a peacekeeping force.
"It is another form of recognition of the capabilities of our military personnel who are often entrusted by the United Nations (UN).
"I would like to express my congratulations and pride to all members of the Malbatt 850-10 Contingent on the awarding of the medal," he said while praying for the safety of the force.
Mohamad also congratulated and commended Malbatt 850-10 Commander Col Mohd Rizman Ramli and all the members of the unit in Lebanon for carrying out their duties diligently and making the country proud.
Earlier, the Public Affairs Division of the Joint Forces Headquarters in a statement informed that the medal parade ceremony was held at the Marakah Camp Parade Ground in South Lebanon yesterday.
The medals were awarded by UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Western Sector Commander Brig Gen Roberto Vergori.
The statement said that the parade involved a total of 20 officers and 250 personnel of other ranks involving four detachments.
According to the statement, Mohd Rizman led the list of medal recipients and was followed by senior officers and service representatives.
Malbatt 850-10, consisting of 84 officers and 770 personnel of various ranks from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) including 30 members from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) began the year-long mission on Nov 12 last year. -- Bernama