Rela must also play a role in promoting unity — Honorary commissioner

KUCHING: People’s Volunteer Corps ( Rela) should act as an organisation that promotes unity among the people of the country and not just become the nation’s line of defence or safeguard the welfare of the country’s citizens.

Datuk Seri Syed Hamzah Syed Piee, who is Rela honorary commissioner and political secretary to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, stated this to reporters after officiating at the opening ceremony of a badminton tournament hosted by the Kampung Goebilt Rela members at Kampung Goebilt here on Saturday (Jan 13).

According to him, the unity of Malaysians is a treasure which Rela and other government organisations must safeguard to make sure the people live in peace and harmony at all times.

“A nation where its people are united is one that can become successful,” he said.

He acknowledged that Rela has been facing different challenges since its formation many years ago.

“During Rela’s early years after its formation, its members carry weapons such as guns and were the country’s first line of defence.

“Nowadays, Rela’s role is also important to the country as they play a role in safeguarding Malaysians from negative inf luence, especially by those from outside the country for example,” he added.

A total of 30 teams participated in the tournament.

Also present during the ceremony were Kampung Goebilt community leader Penghulu Udin Damit and Kampung Goebilt Rela platoon chief Ramli Usup.