Military chiefs join their men in the jungle

Brotherly gathering: Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi (second from right) taking a group photo with soldiers at the Sri Banding forward operations base in Gerik.

GERIK: Two of the nation’s top military chiefs made an important trip for Hari Raya Aidilfitri to be with soldiers who are spending the festive season far away from their families to protect the country.

Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and Army chief Jen Datuk Seri Zulkiple Kassim broke fast on the last day of Ramadan at the Sri Banding forward operating base here with about 200 soldiers.

The leaders asked the soldiers about their families and shared some pearls of wisdom about life in the military.

They even joined the servicemen in preparing dodol, lemang and rendang for the first day of Raya.

Likening soldiers to a candle, Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi said those serving in the military sacrifice themselves to provide light for others.

“They have families. Some of them have kids, parents that they have to leave behind.

“Some of them have not even spent Raya with their families for two years straight.

Sweet treat: Jen Zulkiple (left) helping soldiers stir the dodol while Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi looks on at the camp.

“This is the true meaning of sacrifice,” he told a press conference at the base on Saturday.

Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi said his presence there was a form of solidarity with the soldiers.

“I am here to provide support to them. Maybe it doesn’t seem much.

“But I am confident that behind these soldiers, there are officers who inspired them to serve.

“That is why I am here today,” he said.

Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi said more than 7,500 army officers and personnel were on duty this Raya season.

The Armed Forces chief gave an assurance that the nation’s borders were safe and under control.

“We have increased the number of battalions around Kelantan. In Sabah, we have eight battalions on duty.

“We are monitoring the situation in southern Philippines.

“If anything happens, we have our own plans in place to contain the situation,” he said.

Jen Raja Mohamed Affandi urged the soldiers to perform their duties to the best of their ability, with no room for compromise on matters of national security.

He and Jen Zulkiple returned to Kuala Lumpur the next day by helicopter.