INSPECTING GUARD-OF-HONOUR: Zulkifeli inspects the guard-of-honour during the Malaysian Armed Forces Day parade in conjunction with its 80th anniversary at the Perdana Camp in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin wants members of the security forces to continue to increase their level of professionalism and be always ready to face any eventuality, like the Lahad Datu incursion in Sabah last February.
He said they could not take the country’s peace and well-being for granted.
“Don’t take national security for granted. We should be aware of the uncertain and ever-changing geostrategic regional and global environment which is imposing challenges for the army, and which must be handled with a high level of certainty,” he said.
Zulkifeli was speaking to reporters after witnessing the Malaysian Armed Forces Day parade, in conjunction with its 80th anniversary at the Perdana Camp in Sungai Besi here yesterday.
He said the security forces had to be vigilant and not be over-confident of the existing peace in the country because there were jealous elements waiting to jeopardise the peace which Malaysians enjoyed, and tried to undermine national sovereignty.
“The security forces have always endeavoured to provide the best service by placing service before everything else. Our troops are professional and committed.
“They possess strong willpower, thanks to a high degree of readiness, following effective training and access to sound equipment and sophisticated weapons.
“We must continue to develop the ability, improve the image and increase public confidence in the armed forces and be well prepared to face any challenge or threats to the nation’s sovereignty and must stand firmly behind the government of the day,” added Zulkifeli. — Bernama