By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 13: The concept of the Territorial Army (Askar Wataniah) is the important link that connects uniform bodies with the people on the ground.
In pointing this out, Premier of Sarawak Honorary Brigadier General Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Sarawak Territorial Army Support Committee (JAKPAW) patron, said the Territorial Army service is flexible with a common ground and objectives for both uniform and non-uniform bodies to work on.
For example, Abang Johari said he has requested for Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, who is 510 AW Regiment commander Brigadier General, and his senior officers to join the service as the bridge for the local community and uniform body.
“With public service officers’ connection with the local community structure in Sarawak, such as the local community leaders, they can ensure communication between both uniform bodies and the people.
“In the case something happens, we will understand each other. And with that common understanding, we’ll have certain strategies in terms of securing peace and prosperity for the people,” he said during the 35th Territorial Army Commanders’ Conference (SKAW) dinner held at Pullman Hotel tonight.
The Territorial Army Regiment is the military reserve force of the Malaysian Army.
Also present were Regent of Perlis and 504 Territorial Army (AW) Regiment commander Brig Gen Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and his consort Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil; Raja Muda of Kedah and 513 AW Regiment commander Brig Gen Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin; Terengganu’s Tengku Sri Temenggung Raja and 512 AW Regiment commander Brig Gen Datuk Seri Raja Tengku Baharuddin Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah and wife Toh Puan Seri Zuriana Ismail; Deputy Chief of Army and 35th SKAW chairman Lt Gen Dato’ Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim; and Sarawak Secretary and 510 AW Regiment commander Brig Gen Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily