KOTA KINABALU: She may not be the fittest trainee for the Cadet Reserve Officers Training Unit (Palapes) but Meloney Antong’s determination to complete the training had earned her the royal recognition.
A final-year student of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), the 24-year-old from Kampung Mambatu, Kudat, was always teased for being among the weakest one physically.
“Other fellow trainees had actually asked me to quit initially, but I took it all in as a challenge. I was so determined to complete the training and today (yesterday), I received the royal recognition from the Sultan of Kelantan,” she said.
Meloney said her hard work and effort made her think that she deserved a pack on the back.
“Being the first woman from my village to enter university, I just wanted to show my family and people that I can be a good role model, and I sure hope others will follow suit,” said Meloney who is undertaking the Degree in Industrial Economics in Unimas.
She was among the 1,340 cadet officers who were promoted to lieutenant during the Royal Recognition Ceremony of the 32nd Commissioning Ceremony of Cadet Palapes at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here, by the Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V.
Meloney said her biggest challenge was her problematic knee.
“I had to endure the pain for three years, but I guess, it was all worth it … nothing can stop me from enjoying the military-like training,” she said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Ree Lee Soon Chik joined the uniformed unit for another reason.
“It has taught me the meaning of discipline. That was my reason for joining Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).
“Being a non-Malay, I feel that there is nothing wrong in joining the force or Palapes, because regardless of your race, it is a job and great responsibility. What is important is that we deliver our duties, which is for the good of the country and state, so it is immaterial whether you are a civil servant or attached to a private company, just do what we are entrusted to do,” said the 22-year-old.
He said the security forces may not be the favoured job for non-Malays.
“But to me, I would like to encourage more non-Malays to join the security forces as it is a great job that requires your undivided responsibility. There are only three non-Malays in Palapes … so we sure hope more will come forward in the future,” he said.