Soldiers pushed on by patriotic songs – Commanding officer

0

TEARS OF JOY: Suriani Bujang can’t hold back her tears as she was overjoyed at her husband Wan Edenin’s safe return.

BACK SAFE AND SOUND: Stephen (centre) in a group photo with his men at the airport.

TRANSPORT FOR RETURNING HEROES: Military trucks waiting outside the airport.

DADDY’S COMING BACK: Wives and children of the security forces wait patiently at the airport.

MILITARY WELCOME: The battalion’s Tambor Platoon playing the bagpipes to welcome home the heroes.

WELCOME HOME: Dr Annuar (second right) and Abu Seman (third right) greet Wan Edenin (left) upon his arrival.

SIBU: The frequent airing of patriotic songs on television and over the radio has helped to heighten the fighting spirit of security forces in Lahad Datu, Sabah in defending the nation against Sulu intruders.

Lt Col Wan Edenin Wan Mahsin, commanding officer of the Third Battalion of Royal Rangers Regiment, said the songs let them know that they had the support of every Malaysian.

“We really appreciate the prayers and encouraging words of the people because the struggle to free Lahad Datu from the intruders is not only for the security forces but for the entire nation.

“We had been able to accomplish missions given to us with courage, diligence and focus,” he told reporters at a reception to welcome members of the battalion returning from ‘Ops Daulat’ at the Sibu Airport yesterday.

TRADITIONAL: Women carry ‘bunga mangga’ to welcome home the heroes.

He was responding to a comment by Parti SeIslam Malaysia (PAS) deputy president Mohamad Sabu (better known as Mat Sabu) in Bernama recently that the repeated airing of patriotic songs was an entertainment for the police and the military, which Mat Sabu reportedly made during a ‘ceramah’ (talk) in Kampung Tedong in Jasin, Melaka on Sunday.

About 300 personnel from the rank and file and 14 officers from the battalion arrived at the airport in two separate groups on military aircrafts after completing a two-month stint at the frontline.

Besides their family members, Ninth Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Datuk Stephen Mundaw, his wife Datin Jacqueline Peris, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee and political secretary to the chief minister Abu Seman Jahwie were at the airport to welcome the heroes.

Speaking of his personal experience while in Lahad Datu, Wan Edenin said ensuring the safety of his men was the most challenging.

“We were not afraid but were always careful because we were aware that our enemies were very experienced and used to facing hardship.

“Nonetheless, we are prepared to be deployed there again because we had gathered a lot of experiences in the last two months,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stephen said his men were ready to be sent back to Lahad Datu if there was a need, even during the general election.

“I am very happy that they are back home safe and sound,” he said.