Sultan Muhammad V inspects the guard-of-honour. — Bernama photos
PUTRAJAYA: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, attended the Warriors’ Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Precinct 1, here yesterday.
The ceremony began with a parade of the colours of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
This was followed by the playing of the national anthem ‘Negaraku’, and the firing of a 21-gun salute by the 41st Battery, Royal Artillery Regiment, led by Mohd Asri Che Wil.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by four officers and 103 personnel of various ranks led by Major Juniusabdiah Shahputra Janny.
A total of 46 officers and 823 personnel of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MAF Veterans Association and PDRM Veterans Association took part in the Warriors’ Day parade.
Sultan Muhammad V (front, right) takes a salute upon arrival at Dataran Pahlawan Negara. On his right is Dr Mahathir, while Dr Wan Azizah is at left.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Zulkifli
Zainal Abidin and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun also attended the event.
The ceremony then proceeded with the sounding of the ‘Last Post’ while the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ national flag was lowered.
This was followed by the ‘Pahlawan’ poetry recital and a pantomime performance called ‘Operasi Iblis 1971’, which told the story of the heroic struggle of Captain Mohana Chandran.
The performance was based on an operation of the same name launched by the Second Infantry Brigade Command against the communist terrorists in the Korbu Forest Reserve in Sungai Siput and Tanah Hitam, Perak, on
May 31, 1971.
The pantomime was performed by six officers and 98 personnel of the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment.
At the event, six of Mohana Chandran’s colleagues, who were also involved in the battle, were given the honour of being introduced to Sultan Muhammad.
After that, the tune ‘Rouse’ was played while the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted to fire up the spirit of the military and police personnel to continue defending the nation’s sovereignty and peace.
This was followed by three shouts of ‘Daulat Tuanku’ as a symbolic gesture of loyalty from the security forces and people to His Majesty.
Warriors Day is observed on July 31 annually to commemorate the contributions of the warriors who died defending the nation.
Since 1968, both the MAF and PDRM have been taking turns in organising the Warriors’ Day celebration.
MAF is the organiser this year. — Bernama
A scene from the pantomime ‘Operasi Iblis 1971’.