MERSING: The Sultan of Johor, the Colonel-Commandant of the Special Forces Group – Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) – call on the government to give priority to national security and defence.
He said the leadership’s action in the past few years appeared as if they treated national security as low priority compared to other issues. This was in particular involving the GGK.
“Let it be known I did not become the Colonel Commandant of the GGK to be a puppet,” the Sultan said in his speech at the GGK Golden Jubilee parade at the Iskandar camp named after his late father. Among those who attended were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Armed Forces officials and present and retired commandoes.
The Sultan said since he had become the Colonel Commandant since six years ago, top government and armed forces leaders had promised to fund various facilities and equipment for the the GGK.
“For example, I had suggested that an aquatic centre be built at this camp for scuba and water training and I was given promises that it will be built. However until now the aquatic centre have yet to be built.
“Does the government lack the funding or does it placed military priority way below the other requirements,” he added
It was the same for the other equipment and facilities for the GGK, he said. The empty promises of the country’s leadership was akin to neglecting the national security, the Sultan added.
This was especially galling as the GGK personnel will be among the first to call into action when something happened, he said. He said he hoped the present leadership in the Defence Ministry in who were present at the ceremony, would fulfill the promises made to the GGK.
The Sultan also said he regretted some leaders conferred with honourary parachute wings were using them on all occasions. “It is my understanding that the honourary parachute wings are only to be used on certain occasions,’ he said adding that if the honouree was so enthused with the wings, he should worked to be officially recognised.
The Sultan said he was aware that as a ruler he should not be meddled in politics. However he stressed he was aware of the current political and economic crisis affecting the country.
He said he hoped the government leaders solved the current issues quickly lest ” the rakyat will lose faith with the government’.
At the parade, the Sultan also conferred honourary GGK status to Army chief Jen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Nor. He also also conferred GGK Golden Jubilee medals to his sons, the Armed Forces chief, Army chief and past and present leaders of the GGK. Retired and current GGK personnel are also to be conferred the medals.
Analysis.
The Sultan of Johor is well known for his criticisms on the government decisions especially those involving the GGK. A few years ago he donated a 4X4 vehicle to the GGK while criticising the decision to purchase the lightly modified Ford Ranger as the service’s RIV. The Sultan criticised the decision mainly due to the fact that the Rangers were bought for some RM350,000 each.
Despite the criticism, the RIVs remained in service. In RMK11, the GGK is expected to receive new small arms and communication equipment.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (22)
Daulat tuanku
I dont know if our leaders heard what the sultan had to say. Just look at the ringgit now. I just hate it when they try to compare the current situation with the 97 - 98 financial crisis and cntinue to say that everything is all right. If everything goes south the defense sector will the first to suffer.
Ouch...
About the honorary parachute wings. Looks like his majesty was taking a dig at hishammudin lol
Just wanna ask a question. Is it possible if the PFI (private fund initiative) to fund the military procurement?
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Yes it can but what at cost? If its a PFI but we dont have to pay anything for the funding I am all for it!
I understand the need for awarding honourary wings to visiting heads of states and royalty but the practice of awarding it to politicians should stop. One can argue that this practice honours the unit but one can also argue that it cheapens the wings. The Sultan of Johore is the Colonel in Chief of Gerak Khas but he also attended and passed selection.
No doubt Gerak Khas has long standing requirements for various gear and facilities but so do PASKAL and PASKAU. I used to think that PASKAL had no issues getting what it needed as it had funding from a special budget and from oil and gas companies but a PASKAL chap I told this to laughed and said that was not the case at all.
Off topic.
News from sputnik.
"And the Buyer is...:Malaysia May Buy Mistrals Initially Built for Russia
During his Malaysian trip, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will discuss the possibility of delivering to Malaysia the two Mistral-class warships initially built for Russia, the French newspaper Tribune reported."
http://sputniknews.com/military/20150825/1026189900/mistral-malaysia-france.html#ixzz3jsYqkaW3
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Yes we are buying the two Mistrals together with 20 Tiger AH and 16 Cougars for ASW
The Sultan is clued up on military matters. His concern is sincere. I\'m not aware of the rest of his remarks but I think he\'s treading on thin ice by making publics comments -- well taken by many, no doubt -- on national policy. It would be good if our royals follow the lead of UK Royal Colonels of regiments (who have hundreds of years of experience \'colonelling\' regts) by focusing on the welfare of servicemen and their families, especially their kids. I know Mindef is taking care of this but the royals can be more active in projects and foundations that help servicemen and their families. -----
Mistral.
I find it hard to believe the story.
Wow a very strong speech by Colonel Commandant GGK. He had rattled the boat before (donating a RIV) hope that HRH will donate something when he decides to upgrade his Johor Army.
Wow a very strong speech by Colonel Commandant GGK. He had rattled the boat before (donating a RIV) hope that HRH will donate something when he decides to upgrade his Johor Army.
Mistral? LOL. Then TLDM will have its Jetty Queen.
Well, the Sultan has a point but we need to take it slow since our economy quite bad at it's condition. But still, upgrading can't be neglected at all cost.
Mistral? Yes, we will get them since this is a good news for us. It'll boost TLDM's capability.
......
Oh no, wait. We won't be getting one...
Wishful thinking regarding the Mistrals.......not unless they throw one in for free with the Rafales.
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With one Euro now at RM4.31?