Unified force
KUALA LUMPUR: The fight against extremism and terrorism in the country has been taken to new heights with the setting up of the National Special Operations Force (NSOF).
Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak yesterday, NSOF is an integrated, quick-reaction force that will act as a first responder in any event that threatens national security or interest.
Najib said the setting up of the unit, which reports directly to the National Security Council (NSC), reflects the government’s commitment to issues of national security and public safety.
“The establishment of NSOF proves the government’s ‘nocompromise’ stand on issues of security. This is because we have learnt from the past, be it in the fight against communists in 1948, or more recent ones.
“Can we be sure that the incident in Movida, Puchong in June will not happen again?” he asked.
Najib was speaking at the launch of the NSOF at Kem Perdana in Sungai Besi here, where the force, which currently comprises 17 officers and 170 combat troops, will be based.
It comprises elements of special forces units from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysian Police, and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
“NSOF’s establishment is based on the principles of the National Blue Ocean Strategy where we will share our assets, abilities and forces, under a single chain of command,” said Najib, who is also NSC chairman.
“They will stay and train together to ensure readiness and so that they can be mobilised at any time,” he added.
“This is made possible with the existence of the NSC Act. Our desire is none other than to protect the people,” he said.
On NSOF’s operating procedure, Najib said in the event of an incident, the NSC would report to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and ATM chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, and they would then refer to him for the nod to mobilise.