Military asset exhibition among draws at Pahang AKM tour

A file picture of Malaysian Armed Forces APCs during a National Day parade. Photo: RONNIE CHIN / The Star

KUANTAN: An exhibition of the assets and gallantry of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is one of the attractions at the Pahang Malaysian Family Aspirations Tour (AKM) series that will take place at Darul Makmur Stadium and Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre (SASICC) grounds here for three days starting this Friday (Oct 28).

Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abd Aziz said preparations were now underway for the 12th AKM series, which is themed "Malaysian Family, the Core of National Defence", to highlight the greatness of all three MAF branches.

"The assets on display include vehicles as well as light and heavy weaponry that are commonly used by the military and special forces such as the Special Operations Group, Naval Special Warfare Forces (Paskal) and RMAF Special Force (Paskau), to show the capabilities of our military.

"In addition, we will also have a special counter for MAF veterans to enable them to get services directly from the officers assigned and there is also a recruitment counter for MAF," he said during an online interview "Bicara Naratif" organised by RTM News Monday (Oct 24) night.

Muez said AKM led by the Defence Ministry will also involve the participation of 25 ministries, small and medium industry entrepreneurs, private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to highlight their services and products.

Commenting on the slogan for AKM this time around, Muez said it was to give understanding and explanation that the security and sovereignty of the country is the shared responsibility of all Malaysians and not just on the shoulders of the uniformed security forces.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is scheduled to launch the AKM on Saturday (Oct 29) morning, before attending the Kenduri Rakyat programme in Tanjung Lumpur, here at noon.

Muez said AKM, which will be held from 9am to 9pm, will also have a career fair to offer job opportunities to the public, especially the youth as well as a "Citarasa Keluarga Malaysia" booth and cheap sales organised by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

He added that visitors can participate in a lucky draw where the top prizes are cars and motorbikes and enjoy performances by popular artistes such as Faizal Tahir and Ning Baizura on Saturday evening. - Bernama