NATION REMEMBERS HEROES
King, leaders and foreign dignitaries attend national-level event
THE country’s warriors were remembered and celebrated for their contributions and sacrifices in protecting the country, at the 50th Warriors Day event here yesterday.
The ceremony began with the procession of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V and Regimental flags from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, which comprised four officers and 103 personnel of various ranks led by Major Janius Abdiah Shahputra Janny.
The Negaraku was played, which was accompanied by a 21gun salute by the 41st Battery, Royal Artillery Regiment led by Major Mohd Asri Che Wil.
Present were Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Joining them were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong, Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.
The event was also attended by serving and retired officers of the police and armed forces, as well as civilians.
Ambassadors of various countries and international dignitaries were also present at the national-level celebration.
Six detachments with 46 officers and 823 members of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) , the police, Armed Forces Veterans Association (MAFVA) including 10 women from the Ex-Police Association of Malaysia (PBPM), participated in the parade, which was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Samhasri Samah.
The march past was accompanied by a marching band from the armed forces and police.
The Jalur Gemilang was lowered with the sounding of the Last Post.
This was followed by the recital of the poem, Pahlawan (warrior), by Lieutenant Farahanina Ismail from RMAF and Assistant Superintendent of Police Rahimi Hamzah.
Later, a pantomime was performed to honour the country’s soldiers who served in the Second Brigade Infantry in 1971 and who fought in the Op Bilis 1971.
The operation was led by Captain V. Mohana Chandran from the Fourth Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment to wipe out communist terrorists in Korbu Jungle in Sungai Siput and Tanah Hitam in Perak on May 31, 1971.
He was killed in the operation, defending the country.
The re-enactment was performed by officers from the First Battalion of Royal Regiment.
Six soldiers who served along side Captain Mohana were present and honoured at the event.
Later, the tune Rouse was played as the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted.
Warriors Day is celebrated on July 31 every year to remember the struggles and sacrifices of the members of the national security forces to protect national sovereignty.
The event was held for the third time at Dataran Pahlawan Negara here since 2016.
In Ipoh, Bernama reported that Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah attended the state-level Warriors Day celebration at Dataran Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.
Present were Raja Muda of Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, and Raja DiHilir of Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, state executive councillors, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Ghazali Jalal and Perak Police chief Datuk Hasnan Hassan also attended the event.
The ceremony began about 9am with the arrival of Sultan Nazrin.
After the state anthem was played, Sultan Nazrin inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by three officers and 103 personnel of the Royal Army Engineers Regiment.
The ceremony proceeded with the piping of the Last Post while the Jalur Gemilang was lowered.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the state anthem.
Sultan Nazrin and the guests then attended a reception at the Banquet Hall at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.
In Alor Star, Sultan of Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah attended the state-level Warriors Day celebration in Jalan Tunku Bendahara.
Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff and Tunku Temenggong of Kedah Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah also graced the event.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and Kedah Police chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Kasim were also present.
Sultan Sallehuddin placed a wreath at the memorial. Mukhriz and Zainal Abidin also laid wreaths.