Debunk negative perceptions to encourage non-Malays to join the military, say veterans

PETALING JAYA: Debunking negative perceptions that discourage non-Malays from joining the armed forces is one of the measures which can help to encourage and boost their participation, says an ex-serviceman.

Former Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) veteran Mjr (rtd) Peter Yeow said factors that are contributing to the low number of non-Malay personnel in the armed forces should be identified and remedied to increase the strength.

"I have no regrets joining the military. It was both rewarding and adventurous.

"However, since the number of non-Malays have dwindled over the years, it is timely for the armed forces to search for answers on what had led to this situation," said the 77-year-old former RMAF helicopter pilot who had also served in the infantry in the 1960s and 1980s.

Referring to The Star's front page story involving a 25-year-old Chinese second lieutenant of the army Lef Muda Chan Ming Youn, who earned his green beret after undergoing commando training with the elite Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK) special forces at the Sungai Udang Army Camp, Yeow said it is admirable that the young officer had taken a keen interest in joining the army and later, becoming a commando.

"There were many non-Malay commandos in the early years during my time in the force. I hope more non-Malays will be encouraged to join the military following Chan's achievement," said Yeow, who was also a paratrooper and had served at the Sungai Udang camp as a coordinator for aviation-related training exercises for commandos.

Former Patriots Association president Brig-Jen (rtd) Datuk Mohd Arshad Mohd Raji said past non-Malay commandos were aplenty in the army three decades ago and they had played pivotal roles in countering communist terrorists.

"Lef Muda Chan has set a good example. More should follow suit and not just by joining the army but working towards becoming members of the special forces.

"We had many non-Malay commandos before - Chinese, Indians, Sikhs and Orang Asli. I don't see why we can't now. Our commando units should be multi-racial, so that we can tackle any situation or adversity," he said when contacted.

21st GGK commander Mjr Jen Adi Ridzwan Abdullah said they had not had a Chinese commando in almost 20 years.

He hoped Lef Muda Chan's achievement would spur other non-Malays to enrol with the army and serve the country.

Several other armed forces veterans also recounted and spoke fondly of the non-Malay commandos whom they had worked closely with, especially during the communist insurgency.

Among them are Lef Col Chua Hong Kang, Col Yap Poh Meng, Col Dr Woo Soon Fah, Mjr Michael Kwa Swee Hock and Kpt Koh Kim Fatt.