More non-Malays needed in the army

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Armed Forces want more non-Malays to join the army to create a harmonious and racially-balanced force.

Army chief Jen Datuk Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said the current number of non-Malays in the force was insufficient.

“We need people who are passionate, no matter the race or religion.

“The social trends have changed and joining the army is not a top choice as it was years ago,” said Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi Mohammed Affandi during the Army’s 81st anniversary celebrations at the Sungai Ara Camp here yesterday.

The celebration included a two-hour aerobics session, a blood donation campaign as well as health and dental checkups for army officers.

A total of 1,500 army officers, their spouses and children joined in the aerobics session led by the Malaysian Aerobics Association.

Officers also took part in the blood donation drive by the Penang Hospital.

Later, members of the Malaysian Armed Forces Family Welfare Body (Bakat) visited the 2nd Infantry Divi-sion’s Tun Razak Camp in Bukit Ge-dong, Bayan Lepas for a luncheon.

Joining them were widows and a group of 28 children with spe- cial needs from the Sungai Petani branch of Pusat Pemulihan dalam Komuniti (PPKD).

PPKD has various branches throughout the country that cater to the special needs children of army officers.

This year, the Army Day was celebrated from May 1 to May 3.