Egypt is now governed by an interim military government that is headed by Defence Minister Field Marshall Mohamed Tantawi. He pledged to hand over the country to a democratically elected government, but short of detailing a time frame for the handover. A six months period for the hand over is demanded by the protestors, but I think this time frame is not possible.
The priority of the interim government seemed to “focus on restoring security, restructuring the police force and instituting economic reforms and welfare”. The state constitution has been suspended and a new constitution is being formulated. Some members of Mubarak’s cabinet are still active within the interim government and the demand by the protestors is to see that all ministers of the Mubarak’s regime leave.
As of now little is known as to the effectiveness of the interim government, and the course it shall take to bring back some semblance of civility and security. With regards to the state’s economy, it is unclear as to the measures taken to revive it.
Egypt’s Emergency law that has been in place throughout the entire period of Mubarak’s rule, and was a cause of the people’s protest is to be lifted, but with a caveat i.e. “as soon as the current condition of protest is terminated”.
Any change of government that is the result of a force resignation or takeover would normally follow a ‘witch hunt’ against those known to be corrupt and had abused their position while in power. As of now, three former ministers are under arrest and will be investigated for corruption and other abuses. Several others have been barred from leaving the country. I do not know whether Mubarak and members of his family will also face prosecution for alleged corruption and other criminal charges. I believe they will.
In terms of foreign policy, the interim government had affirmed that it shall honour all treaties concluded during the Mubarak’s regime, especially those affecting the US and Israel. Mubarak was known to have acted like a stooge to the US, because the former’s dependence on financial aid from the US, including the supply of military hardware. Israel thinks that for as long as Egypt remains dependent upon US for financial support, Israel is assured of its security. It was also reported that the US government has allocated US150 million to Egypt to finance rehabilitation of the country that had suffered substantial dislocation and destruction during the 18 days of public protest.
Now the question in the minds of many is whether our country will ever experience a similar tragedy as the Egyptians. My guess is that we may not see this happening in the immediate future, but it will certainly happen if the government continues to ignore the causes that had led to the civil unrest in Egypt. The causes are obvious i.e. rampant corruption, repressive laws and laws that are seen to be selective, abuse of power by the police and government officials, rising poverty level, rising costs of living and a high unemployment rate.
One cannot deny the fact that the causes mentioned above are to be found within our society today, nor can one claim that Malaysians are not like Egyptians; hence it is unlikely that Malaysians will rise against the government. Put them on a hunger trail or just ignore the causes mentioned above and I can assure you that this will spark a people’s unrest. Therefore, the assumption that a people’s uprising in Malaysia will not happen, needs serious rethinking.
And if ever a similar tragedy is to occur in this country, and if the government is finally forced to hand over the reins of government to the military, will our military leaders today be ready to assume the responsibility to govern during the interim period? I would just leave this question to be answered by our current military leaders, and to tickle their thoughts at such a possibility, and what all need to be done if the military is forced by circumstances to govern one day.
I do not know how the government and in particular the military will react to what I have mentioned above, but I believe it is better that the military ready itself, rather than be caught without knowing what to do. I think the Public Order Manual (POMAN) that was used in the 50’s/60’s is no longer applicable today. Anyway, POMAN has nothing to do with teaching the military to govern.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Monday, March 16, 2009
THE MILITARY – A NOBLE PROFESSION
Am I glad to have partners as bloggers who are like me..........retired military personnels. I do not know some of them because their identity is not revealed, but I do know for sure that they once served the military from their style of writing and the content of their articles.
Blogging has been interesting for me because I am now free to express my views about anything. I know my limitations, and I am fairly careful in the use of words in my writings that may sound offensive and distasteful to some.
I have been perceived as being anti government in my writings by some of my former colleagues; a perception that is debatable, and which I don't fully subscribe. I am merely trying to be frank and direct in my views, and that has nothing to do with me being loyal or disloyal to the government of the day. Anyway, that is how I have been trained to write by the military, and if it is wrong, please don't blame me; blame the Armed Forces for having trained me.
I recall once towards the end of my career, that I was told to stop making comments in the newspapers by my higher headquarters, over a case of a soldier who was charged for murdering an Indonesian illegal immigrant. I was offended by the way the police had handled the soldier who was merely performing his duties by arresting an illegal immigrant that had just landed on the beaches of Johor, who later died after a brief scuffle with the soldier. The soldier has since been freed of charges of murder by the courts.
Verbal or written comments aimed at senior officers are rarely heard in the Armed Forces, and doing so is tantamount to insubordination. This is a situation where officers do not want to be slammed with, as a 'black dot' in ones record of service is a virtual 'death certificate' for the officer concern. Serious verbal arguments between a subordinate officer and a senior officers is seldom heard too, and this is because officers are trained to remain loyal, honourable and subservient to their superiors.
There is however a provision in the Armed Forces for officers to submit a redress of wrong to his superior officer, if he feels that he has been unjustly punished for an offence. However, in my 34 years of military service, I have not experienced having to preside over a case involving a redress of wrong, and I believe the reason being that the punishment meted to offenders are well within the bounds legally permissible to the presiding officer, over an offence being presided or 'judged' by him.
I noticed that some of the military bloggers share a common desire to expose all forms of corruption and abuses, linking officers to these unhealthy practices. I have been watching quite closely some of the 'unhealthy on-goings' in the Armed Forces and the ministry, and the exposure is merely to correct what is believe to be seriously wrong. Military officers in particular have to be extremely careful not to be associated with corrupt practices, and to avoid being in the circle of defence contractors and businessman.
The military profession is one that is sworn to loyalty and allegiance to the king, and the readiness to sacrifice ones life in defence of the country. It does not say anything about the profession having to indulge in business of any kind with anybody. Taking just a cent from a contractor or a businessman, is no different from taking a million. The offence is still corruption, and this must be avoided at all costs.
Military officers must remain true to his profession, and never to succumb to greed, or to anything that will only bring shame and dishonour to the military profession.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.45 pm March 16, 2009
Blogging has been interesting for me because I am now free to express my views about anything. I know my limitations, and I am fairly careful in the use of words in my writings that may sound offensive and distasteful to some.
I have been perceived as being anti government in my writings by some of my former colleagues; a perception that is debatable, and which I don't fully subscribe. I am merely trying to be frank and direct in my views, and that has nothing to do with me being loyal or disloyal to the government of the day. Anyway, that is how I have been trained to write by the military, and if it is wrong, please don't blame me; blame the Armed Forces for having trained me.
I recall once towards the end of my career, that I was told to stop making comments in the newspapers by my higher headquarters, over a case of a soldier who was charged for murdering an Indonesian illegal immigrant. I was offended by the way the police had handled the soldier who was merely performing his duties by arresting an illegal immigrant that had just landed on the beaches of Johor, who later died after a brief scuffle with the soldier. The soldier has since been freed of charges of murder by the courts.
Verbal or written comments aimed at senior officers are rarely heard in the Armed Forces, and doing so is tantamount to insubordination. This is a situation where officers do not want to be slammed with, as a 'black dot' in ones record of service is a virtual 'death certificate' for the officer concern. Serious verbal arguments between a subordinate officer and a senior officers is seldom heard too, and this is because officers are trained to remain loyal, honourable and subservient to their superiors.
There is however a provision in the Armed Forces for officers to submit a redress of wrong to his superior officer, if he feels that he has been unjustly punished for an offence. However, in my 34 years of military service, I have not experienced having to preside over a case involving a redress of wrong, and I believe the reason being that the punishment meted to offenders are well within the bounds legally permissible to the presiding officer, over an offence being presided or 'judged' by him.
I noticed that some of the military bloggers share a common desire to expose all forms of corruption and abuses, linking officers to these unhealthy practices. I have been watching quite closely some of the 'unhealthy on-goings' in the Armed Forces and the ministry, and the exposure is merely to correct what is believe to be seriously wrong. Military officers in particular have to be extremely careful not to be associated with corrupt practices, and to avoid being in the circle of defence contractors and businessman.
The military profession is one that is sworn to loyalty and allegiance to the king, and the readiness to sacrifice ones life in defence of the country. It does not say anything about the profession having to indulge in business of any kind with anybody. Taking just a cent from a contractor or a businessman, is no different from taking a million. The offence is still corruption, and this must be avoided at all costs.
Military officers must remain true to his profession, and never to succumb to greed, or to anything that will only bring shame and dishonour to the military profession.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.45 pm March 16, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
87th ANNIVERSARY THE FALL OF SINGAPORE
Sunday, Feb 15, 2009 marks the 87th anniversary of the fall Singapore to the Japanese during 2nd World War. It must have been a painful moment for Lt Gen Arthur Percival to present the instrument of surrender to Lt Gen Yamashita on Feb 15, 1942 in a somber ceremony on the island of Singapore.
I was only born a year later after the surrender, but I can recall some exciting stories from my parents as to how they had to survive during the Japanese invasion of Malaya, and their subsequent occupation, until their forced surrender in 1945 at the result of the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
There have been numerous books written on the war in Malaya, mostly by western writers. Likewise, there are also numerous book written about the 1st Malayan Emergency, and the Malaysian/Indonesian Confrontation. I have tried to be selective in my readings about all these events in books written by western authors. But there is little that I can do to avoid reading books written by such authors, since there are not too many written by Malaysian military historians.
I have this growing concern that the younger generation today have little inkling about the country’s past, more so with regards to the Japanese war in Malaya, Indonesian confrontation and the Malayan Emergency. These are significant historical events that had help shape the future of the country. Ignoring these pieces of the country’s history is likened to ignoring one’s ancestral origins, that is so dear by most people.
I am also equally concern that the younger generation of military officers today too have little inkling of the country’s past, especially those that are military related. Today, the officers and soldiers no longer roam the jungles to hunt down communist terrorist. The counter insurgency experience is now lost. They, I am told are stuck on some islands in Sabah, and strung along the eastern and western coastal areas of the peninsular to deter the arrival of illegal immigrants. This, I think should not be the primary role of the Army in particular, that they have been saddled with since 1997 or thereabout.
To the officers corps of the Armed Forces, they are constantly reminded of the adage that ‘history is known to repeat itself’. Wars can spark at any time and for various reasons. I am not implying here that we should go to war with someone, but the adage does remind the Armed Forces to be vigilant, and to be prepared for an eventuality.
There are many lessons that one can learn from wars and experience of the past, but the application of those lessons in today’s battlefield environment may require rethinking and readjustment. Sophistication in the military hardware’s has redefined new strategies and training, and this has to be fully understood, if our Armed Forces is to remain current and prepared.
The concept of single service warfare may no longer be relevant today; hence there is greater emphasis now towards a joint warfare doctrine. Therefore, the creation of a Joint Force HQ by the Malaysian Armed Forces recently, I think is apt.
The onus now lies in our military leadership to develop new mindsets, new and innovative training strategies, renewed organizational structures, defined roles and responsibilities that are all in congruent with the requirements of the our country’s defence strategy.
The strength in our Armed Forces lies not solely in the hardware’s that it possesses, but in the correct mix and proper utilization of those military hardware’s of the three armed services. And more importantly, the lessons learned from our military history in the fight against the insurgents,confrontation and the 2nd WW should never be lost.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.30 pm Feb 11, 2009
I was only born a year later after the surrender, but I can recall some exciting stories from my parents as to how they had to survive during the Japanese invasion of Malaya, and their subsequent occupation, until their forced surrender in 1945 at the result of the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
There have been numerous books written on the war in Malaya, mostly by western writers. Likewise, there are also numerous book written about the 1st Malayan Emergency, and the Malaysian/Indonesian Confrontation. I have tried to be selective in my readings about all these events in books written by western authors. But there is little that I can do to avoid reading books written by such authors, since there are not too many written by Malaysian military historians.
I have this growing concern that the younger generation today have little inkling about the country’s past, more so with regards to the Japanese war in Malaya, Indonesian confrontation and the Malayan Emergency. These are significant historical events that had help shape the future of the country. Ignoring these pieces of the country’s history is likened to ignoring one’s ancestral origins, that is so dear by most people.
I am also equally concern that the younger generation of military officers today too have little inkling of the country’s past, especially those that are military related. Today, the officers and soldiers no longer roam the jungles to hunt down communist terrorist. The counter insurgency experience is now lost. They, I am told are stuck on some islands in Sabah, and strung along the eastern and western coastal areas of the peninsular to deter the arrival of illegal immigrants. This, I think should not be the primary role of the Army in particular, that they have been saddled with since 1997 or thereabout.
To the officers corps of the Armed Forces, they are constantly reminded of the adage that ‘history is known to repeat itself’. Wars can spark at any time and for various reasons. I am not implying here that we should go to war with someone, but the adage does remind the Armed Forces to be vigilant, and to be prepared for an eventuality.
There are many lessons that one can learn from wars and experience of the past, but the application of those lessons in today’s battlefield environment may require rethinking and readjustment. Sophistication in the military hardware’s has redefined new strategies and training, and this has to be fully understood, if our Armed Forces is to remain current and prepared.
The concept of single service warfare may no longer be relevant today; hence there is greater emphasis now towards a joint warfare doctrine. Therefore, the creation of a Joint Force HQ by the Malaysian Armed Forces recently, I think is apt.
The onus now lies in our military leadership to develop new mindsets, new and innovative training strategies, renewed organizational structures, defined roles and responsibilities that are all in congruent with the requirements of the our country’s defence strategy.
The strength in our Armed Forces lies not solely in the hardware’s that it possesses, but in the correct mix and proper utilization of those military hardware’s of the three armed services. And more importantly, the lessons learned from our military history in the fight against the insurgents,confrontation and the 2nd WW should never be lost.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 12.30 pm Feb 11, 2009
Sunday, December 21, 2008
FMC REUNION DINNER – AN EVENING TO CHERISH
FRIDAY 19, 2008 shall long be remembered by all that attended the 'Federation Military College (FMC) Regular & Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Intakes 1 to 10 Reunion Dinner' held at Best Western Premier Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, as a day of joy and to reminisce their youthful days as Cadets of FMC (now renamed Royal Military College). The occasion also marked the 50th Anniversary of the first batch of military cadets to be trained and commissioned locally at the college facility at Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan on 2 January 1957. FMC moved to its new facility at Sg. Besi, Selangor in 1961, and was subsequently renamed RMC in December 1966.
The reunion dinner was attended by no less than 270 people of all races, comprising former FMC cadets and their spouses, including those from Brunei and Singapore. To the surprise of most, even former instructors of early FMC, such as Gen Tan Sri Yacob Mat Zain, Admiral Tan Sri Thanabalasingam and Gen Tan Sri Borhan Ahmad made their appearance. All three reached their pinnacle of their career as Service Chief and Chief of Defence Forces. Admiral Tan Sri Thanabalasingam became the first Chief of Malaysian Navy in his early 30's, probably the world's youngest Navy Chief at the time.
A special mention was made by the Master of Ceremony, Col Kamal Omar on the presence of an Englishman, Major Crafter who was an instructor in 1959, and subsequently became the Officer Commanding Cadet Wing. Upon completion of service at FMC in 1961, he decided to take a local wife and remained in the country ever since.Mentioned was also made of a cadet from Intake 1, Major Joe Lee who traveled all the way from Toronto, Canada to be united with members of his Intake.
The presence of HRH Raja Perlis and HRH Raja Puan Perlis made the evening even more momentous and gracious. HRH Raja Perlis who himself spend sometime as a cadet at FMC in the early 60's, before being send to continue his officer training at England's Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Upon graduation in 1965, he served the Reconnaissance Regiment, in what is known today as the Armoured Corp. His affiliation to the Armed Forces, and to the Armoured Corp in particular is a well known fact, and he seemed to be very much at ease in the presence of the officers and men of the Armed Forces.
I would also like to add the fact that when I was the Commanding Officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment based in Alor Setar, Kedah in 1980, I had the pleasant opportunity of having both their highnesses who were then the Raja Muda and Raja Puan Muda, to dinner at my official residence. Their presence to dinner at my residence is well documented in photographs that I treasure till this very day. Until the time that I retired from the military service in 1998, I never had the opportunity to meet their Royal Highnesses.
Several speeches were made that evening, and the speeches by Pengiran Inbu Basit (Regular Intake 5) from Brunei and Kasavan Soon (Regular Intake 4) from Singapore, where they said that how their training at FMC had later influence their meritorious service with the government, and in private life. The espirit de corps that had been nurtured with their peers during their FMC days, is still strong and deep rooted in them.
HRH Raja Perlis certainly stole the show that evening by his willingness to give a speech that is informal, and filled with humour. Someone remarked that had HRH been physically strong, he would have stood at the rostrum much longer, and shown to us the more humourous side of himself. As a cadet and being a member of the royal family, he withstood the challenges of soldiering, and the extra ordinary physical hardship that all cadets have to endure during training.A mention was made of Gen Tan Sri Borhan who was an instructor during the time, who made his cadets including HRH, to scale the hill at the shooting range. It was all done in good faith.
HRH Raja Perlis also mentioned in his speech of his desire that this Reunion Dinner will be a yearly affair, supposedly to maintain the espirit de corps among FMC's former cadets, and to relive the spirit of college.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Regimental Brass Band of the Royal Malaysian Ranjer Corps, and the motley band that named themselves the 'Los Cappuccinos'.
It was certainly an evening to cherish and to renew old acquaintances. As for me, I felt rejuvenated having to be reunited with friends and bosses that I have not met for more than 25 years or so. It is friendship that we so dearly look forward to at this very late age of ours.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 6.21pm on Dec 21, 2008
The reunion dinner was attended by no less than 270 people of all races, comprising former FMC cadets and their spouses, including those from Brunei and Singapore. To the surprise of most, even former instructors of early FMC, such as Gen Tan Sri Yacob Mat Zain, Admiral Tan Sri Thanabalasingam and Gen Tan Sri Borhan Ahmad made their appearance. All three reached their pinnacle of their career as Service Chief and Chief of Defence Forces. Admiral Tan Sri Thanabalasingam became the first Chief of Malaysian Navy in his early 30's, probably the world's youngest Navy Chief at the time.
A special mention was made by the Master of Ceremony, Col Kamal Omar on the presence of an Englishman, Major Crafter who was an instructor in 1959, and subsequently became the Officer Commanding Cadet Wing. Upon completion of service at FMC in 1961, he decided to take a local wife and remained in the country ever since.Mentioned was also made of a cadet from Intake 1, Major Joe Lee who traveled all the way from Toronto, Canada to be united with members of his Intake.
The presence of HRH Raja Perlis and HRH Raja Puan Perlis made the evening even more momentous and gracious. HRH Raja Perlis who himself spend sometime as a cadet at FMC in the early 60's, before being send to continue his officer training at England's Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Upon graduation in 1965, he served the Reconnaissance Regiment, in what is known today as the Armoured Corp. His affiliation to the Armed Forces, and to the Armoured Corp in particular is a well known fact, and he seemed to be very much at ease in the presence of the officers and men of the Armed Forces.
I would also like to add the fact that when I was the Commanding Officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment based in Alor Setar, Kedah in 1980, I had the pleasant opportunity of having both their highnesses who were then the Raja Muda and Raja Puan Muda, to dinner at my official residence. Their presence to dinner at my residence is well documented in photographs that I treasure till this very day. Until the time that I retired from the military service in 1998, I never had the opportunity to meet their Royal Highnesses.
Several speeches were made that evening, and the speeches by Pengiran Inbu Basit (Regular Intake 5) from Brunei and Kasavan Soon (Regular Intake 4) from Singapore, where they said that how their training at FMC had later influence their meritorious service with the government, and in private life. The espirit de corps that had been nurtured with their peers during their FMC days, is still strong and deep rooted in them.
HRH Raja Perlis certainly stole the show that evening by his willingness to give a speech that is informal, and filled with humour. Someone remarked that had HRH been physically strong, he would have stood at the rostrum much longer, and shown to us the more humourous side of himself. As a cadet and being a member of the royal family, he withstood the challenges of soldiering, and the extra ordinary physical hardship that all cadets have to endure during training.A mention was made of Gen Tan Sri Borhan who was an instructor during the time, who made his cadets including HRH, to scale the hill at the shooting range. It was all done in good faith.
HRH Raja Perlis also mentioned in his speech of his desire that this Reunion Dinner will be a yearly affair, supposedly to maintain the espirit de corps among FMC's former cadets, and to relive the spirit of college.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Regimental Brass Band of the Royal Malaysian Ranjer Corps, and the motley band that named themselves the 'Los Cappuccinos'.
It was certainly an evening to cherish and to renew old acquaintances. As for me, I felt rejuvenated having to be reunited with friends and bosses that I have not met for more than 25 years or so. It is friendship that we so dearly look forward to at this very late age of ours.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 6.21pm on Dec 21, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
RMAF CHIEF NEED TO BE BOLD
I was struck by a report that I read in BBC News website dated Oct 31,2008, on the resignation of a British SAS Commander in Afghanistan, in protest over what he calls 'chronic underinvestment' in troops equipment. The equipment referred to by him is the British Army's Snatch Land Rover vehicle used extensively by British troops in Afghanistan, that are not designed to withstand roadside bombs.
He accused the ministers (presumably the Minister of Defence) for not heeding to his warnings about the safety of the vehicles which had caused the death from roadside bombs of four soldiers, including one female soldier recently.
I was struck because this report may have some relevance to the decision of the government to defer the purchase of new helicopters to replace the aging Nuri helicopters. Neither has anyone, be they ministers or military commanders that have spoken out to assume full responsibility, should anything untoward happens to the Nuri helicopters. I am not at all surprise that nobody would dare assume such responsibility, not even the pilots and crew that flies the Nuri helicopters. Of course, it will be too late for the pilots and crew to assume responsibility after something untoward has happened.
I am somewhat disappointed that the professionals i.e. in this instant the Chief of Air Force should have
been bold enough to demand that the government must do something now to replace the aging Nuri helicopters, within the financial affordability of the government. Keeping mute over this vital issue is not what the Armed Forces aspects of a commander, particularly one that affect the lives of troops.
The example shown by the British SAS Commander is to be learned by all commanders. And I am not implying here that the Chief of Air Force resigns over this issue, but for him to judge and think of the alternatives available to him.
It may not necessarily be 12 new Eurocopter helicopters, but maybe less of another model. And within the financial affordability of the government, the Air Force may want to change the specifications of the helicopter; maybe giving priority to search and rescue roles first and with option for modification to other roles at a later stage.
If the Air Force sees a dying need to change the Nuri helicopters (which I think is in urgent need), why not just do it, rather than wait.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.30am on Nov 1,2008
He accused the ministers (presumably the Minister of Defence) for not heeding to his warnings about the safety of the vehicles which had caused the death from roadside bombs of four soldiers, including one female soldier recently.
I was struck because this report may have some relevance to the decision of the government to defer the purchase of new helicopters to replace the aging Nuri helicopters. Neither has anyone, be they ministers or military commanders that have spoken out to assume full responsibility, should anything untoward happens to the Nuri helicopters. I am not at all surprise that nobody would dare assume such responsibility, not even the pilots and crew that flies the Nuri helicopters. Of course, it will be too late for the pilots and crew to assume responsibility after something untoward has happened.
I am somewhat disappointed that the professionals i.e. in this instant the Chief of Air Force should have
been bold enough to demand that the government must do something now to replace the aging Nuri helicopters, within the financial affordability of the government. Keeping mute over this vital issue is not what the Armed Forces aspects of a commander, particularly one that affect the lives of troops.
The example shown by the British SAS Commander is to be learned by all commanders. And I am not implying here that the Chief of Air Force resigns over this issue, but for him to judge and think of the alternatives available to him.
It may not necessarily be 12 new Eurocopter helicopters, but maybe less of another model. And within the financial affordability of the government, the Air Force may want to change the specifications of the helicopter; maybe giving priority to search and rescue roles first and with option for modification to other roles at a later stage.
If the Air Force sees a dying need to change the Nuri helicopters (which I think is in urgent need), why not just do it, rather than wait.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 10.30am on Nov 1,2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
AN EVENTFUL WOULD BE GATHERING OF RETIRED MILITARY OFFICERS
Yesterday Oct 23,2008, I was invited to a meeting held at the Old Putra Association, Subang, that was attended by several retired officers of the Armed Forces who had undergone military cadet training at the Federation Military College (FMC) over various period from 1957 to 1966.
FMC which was established on 17th December 1953 at Port Dickson by the British administration, serves as an institution to train and prepare young Malayans regardless of race as commissioned officers of the Armed Forces, which was than predominantly Army. Besides being a source of recruitment for officers of the Armed Forces, FMC also serves to prepare young Malayans for entrance into higher institution of learning, to later become leaders in either the Public or Corporate Service. Hence, FMC's motto 'Serve to Lead' which holds good till this present day, is still relevant and highly appropriate.
Post independent Malaya saw the rapid growth of the Armed Forces to confront the challenges posed by the resurging communist menace that threatened the very core of the Malayan society. A new officers training complex had to be build, and it was in 1961 that finally witnessed the occupation of FMC to its new complex in Sg. Besi, Selangor. The renaming of FMC to Royal Military College (RMC) only occurred in December 1966.
The meeting that was called to session on Thursday 23, 2008, was aimed at organising, to bring together all those who were trained as cadet officers at FMC from 1957 to 1966 to a social gathering; not only to reminisce the past, but more importantly to 'rejuvenate' the espirit de corps that had kept the officers tightly together while in service. Someone remarked at the meeting 'that as we get older, we should endeavour to get even closer'. That remark sums up very well the spirit of the proposed gathering.
The meeting was chaired by Maj Gen Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (Retired) former Chief of Army Logistics, and those present include notables like Gen Tan Sri Abd Rahman Hamid (Retired), the first FMC graduate to attain the coveted post of Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen Datuk Abd Kadir Nordin (Retired) a recipient of the gallantry award PGB, Laksda Dato Yaacob Daud (Retired) former Deputy Chief Royal Malaysian Navy, Maj Gen Datuk Baharudin Kadir (Retired) former Armed Forces Chief of Personnel Staff, Brig Gen Dato Mustafa Khalil (Retired) former Assistant Chief of Army Personnel, and several others.
The meeting had decided that the main event i.e.dinner be held at Raintree Club, Jalan Ampang on 19th December 2008 (Friday), to be preceded by golf a day before. It was also proposed that a Majlis Tahlil be held at Masjid Bukit Damansara on the evening of 18th December 2008 (Thursday).
The guest of honour dinner and golf will be DYMM Raja of Perlis who was a cadet officer at FMC in 1963, before proceeding to complete his officer training at RMC Sandhurst, UK. Attendance to the event will include spouses and it is expected that more than 300 guests will attend. The more the merrier I suppose..
The meeting had also called for the setting up of various organising sub committees to set into motion the preparation of the entire event.
Organising an event of this nature is certainly no easy mean, since the organising members are all retirees. It would have been different if all were still in service, where the resources to help organise such an event are plenty. But with the spirit shown by those attending the meeting, I do believe this up-coming event of Armed Forces retirees will be a successful one.
I wish not to forget to mentioned a special recognition to Lt Col Dato Nawawi Mat Desa (Retired) the Secretary, who in his unselfish ways has shown willingness and grit to get this event organised to the best of his ability. I have known him well enough to understand his penchant for work, which is indeed remarkable.
CURSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.46am Oct 24,2008
FMC which was established on 17th December 1953 at Port Dickson by the British administration, serves as an institution to train and prepare young Malayans regardless of race as commissioned officers of the Armed Forces, which was than predominantly Army. Besides being a source of recruitment for officers of the Armed Forces, FMC also serves to prepare young Malayans for entrance into higher institution of learning, to later become leaders in either the Public or Corporate Service. Hence, FMC's motto 'Serve to Lead' which holds good till this present day, is still relevant and highly appropriate.
Post independent Malaya saw the rapid growth of the Armed Forces to confront the challenges posed by the resurging communist menace that threatened the very core of the Malayan society. A new officers training complex had to be build, and it was in 1961 that finally witnessed the occupation of FMC to its new complex in Sg. Besi, Selangor. The renaming of FMC to Royal Military College (RMC) only occurred in December 1966.
The meeting that was called to session on Thursday 23, 2008, was aimed at organising, to bring together all those who were trained as cadet officers at FMC from 1957 to 1966 to a social gathering; not only to reminisce the past, but more importantly to 'rejuvenate' the espirit de corps that had kept the officers tightly together while in service. Someone remarked at the meeting 'that as we get older, we should endeavour to get even closer'. That remark sums up very well the spirit of the proposed gathering.
The meeting was chaired by Maj Gen Dato Ahmad Ibrahim (Retired) former Chief of Army Logistics, and those present include notables like Gen Tan Sri Abd Rahman Hamid (Retired), the first FMC graduate to attain the coveted post of Chief of Defence Forces, Maj Gen Datuk Abd Kadir Nordin (Retired) a recipient of the gallantry award PGB, Laksda Dato Yaacob Daud (Retired) former Deputy Chief Royal Malaysian Navy, Maj Gen Datuk Baharudin Kadir (Retired) former Armed Forces Chief of Personnel Staff, Brig Gen Dato Mustafa Khalil (Retired) former Assistant Chief of Army Personnel, and several others.
The meeting had decided that the main event i.e.dinner be held at Raintree Club, Jalan Ampang on 19th December 2008 (Friday), to be preceded by golf a day before. It was also proposed that a Majlis Tahlil be held at Masjid Bukit Damansara on the evening of 18th December 2008 (Thursday).
The guest of honour dinner and golf will be DYMM Raja of Perlis who was a cadet officer at FMC in 1963, before proceeding to complete his officer training at RMC Sandhurst, UK. Attendance to the event will include spouses and it is expected that more than 300 guests will attend. The more the merrier I suppose..
The meeting had also called for the setting up of various organising sub committees to set into motion the preparation of the entire event.
Organising an event of this nature is certainly no easy mean, since the organising members are all retirees. It would have been different if all were still in service, where the resources to help organise such an event are plenty. But with the spirit shown by those attending the meeting, I do believe this up-coming event of Armed Forces retirees will be a successful one.
I wish not to forget to mentioned a special recognition to Lt Col Dato Nawawi Mat Desa (Retired) the Secretary, who in his unselfish ways has shown willingness and grit to get this event organised to the best of his ability. I have known him well enough to understand his penchant for work, which is indeed remarkable.
CURSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 9.46am Oct 24,2008
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