TANJUNG MALIM: Due to Malaysia's diverse population, it is imperative that the responsibility to safeguard the country from external threats is a collective obligation.
Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said this underscores the continuous need for membership of the armed forces to not be confined to Malays alone.
"In 1952, the inclusion of non-Malays in the armed forces began with the formation of the first battalion of the Federation Regiment and Squadron A of the Federation Armoured Regiment.
"This was followed by the establishment of key units in signals, engineering, transport, and military police, along with the opening of the Federation Military College in Port Dickson, which welcomed students from various ethnic backgrounds.
"The Royal Malaysian Navy traces its origins to the establishment of the Straits Settlements Naval Volunteer Reserve on April 27, 1934, in Singapore.
"By 1938, it had expanded to Penang and was renamed the Malayan Naval Volunteer Force, receiving 'Royal' status from Queen Elizabeth II in 1952," he said.
Sultan Nazrin said this in his speech at the 42nd Public University Palapes Cadet Officers' Royal Accreditation and Certificates Presentation Ceremony 2024 at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris today.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
A total of 1,435 cadet officers were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Territorial Army Regiment of the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy Reserve and Royal Malaysian Air Force Reserve.
Sultan Nazrin said that similarly, the Royal Malaysian Air Force began with the Straits Settlements Air Force Volunteer Unit in 1936, and became the Malayan Reserve Air Force in 1940. The RMAF was officially formed on June 2, 1958, marked by the first landing of the Twin Pioneer aircraft in Kuala Lumpur.
"The Malaysian Armed Forces have evolved significantly over time, transitioning from a supplementary force in the British Army to a unit combating insurgencies, and now to a fully-fledged conventional force," he said.
He said the establishment of the armed forces is an essential need for any nation, a must and an absolute necessity.
"The military is not just a requirement born of human logic, but a communal obligation (fardu kifayah)," Sultan Nazrin said.
He added that the Malay rulers played a pivotal role in shaping the structure of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
"The involvement of our countrymen began with the rulers' decision at the Durbar Conference, followed by the recruitment of 25 Malay youths into the Malay Regiment on May 1, 1933.
"This regiment expanded and became a full battalion on Jan 1, 1938, known as the First Battalion of the Malay Regiment," he said.
He said the Federal Constitution clearly defines the role of the armed forces, with Article 41 stating that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall be the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the federation.
"Article 137 elaborates on the establishment of the Armed Forces Council, which shall be responsible, under the general authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, for the command, discipline, and administration of all matters relating to the armed forces, other than matters concerning their operational use," he said.
In carrying out duties and responsibilities as soldiers, Sultan Nazrin said it is essential to uphold the principle of belief in God to keep one's mission aligned with its purpose.
"Loyalty to the king and country should be maintained at all times, based on the Constitution and the rule of law.
"The discipline that has become part of your culture should be reflected in your conduct, demonstrating good behavior and morality," he said.