Raja Of Perlis Urges MAF Leadership To Prioritise Welfare, Readiness Of Personnel

KANGAR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, has reminded the leadership of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to continue prioritising efforts to improve the standard of living and readiness of its personnel.

His Royal Highness said that the strength of the nation’s defence depends not just on modern assets, but also on the physical, mental and economic well-being of armed forces personnel.

“Communication systems, equipment and defence assets for operational efficiency must be continuously upgraded, conducive housing for members and their families must be provided and allowances to ensure the economic welfare of MAF personnel should be reviewed from time to time,” he said.

The Raja of Perlis said this during an audience granted to Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman at Balai Menghadap Biru, Istana Arau in Arau yesterday, as stated in a statement released by Istana Arau today.

Also present was the Raja Muda of Perlis, Brigadier General Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, who is also Commander of the 504 Territorial Army Regiment, Malaysian Army Reserve Force.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also said that MAF personnel must safeguard and defend the nation’s sovereignty against any form of threat.

Meanwhile, the statement said the meeting reflects the close and continuing ties between the Perlis Royal Institution and the MAF leadership, particularly in efforts to strengthen national stability and address current and future security challenges.

“Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, who is also Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Ranger Regiment and the Royal Military Police Corps, and an alumnus of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), United Kingdom (1964-1965), recounted his personal experiences and challenges as a military officer.

“(This included the period) when the country was facing a communist insurgency, during the Confrontation, as well as the May 13, 1969 racial riots,” according to the statement.

-- BERNAMA