KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry will continue to prioritise the readiness of the Armed Forces in line with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's decree, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the ministry would do so while modernising the country’s defence assets, including those for the Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK).
"In line with His Majesty's decree, the ministry will continue prioritising the readiness of the armed forces while modernising the country’s defence assets, including those for the RGK.
"To all members and veterans of the Gerak Khas Regiment, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on its 60th anniversary,” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday (Aug 16).
Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim attended the 60th Anniversary Parade of the elite regiment at Kem Iskandar in Mersing.
The parade featured five detachments comprising 18 officers and 173 personnel members from the 11th Special Service Regiment, 21st Commando Regiment, 22nd Commando Regiment, the Combined Unit and the Army Special Warfare Training Centre (Pulpak).
Since its establishment in 1965, the regiment has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a small unit has grown into a modern special forces regiment operating across multiple domains.
During the event, Sultan Ibrahim issued a stern reminder to the Defence Ministry not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly used aircraft that could endanger the lives of pilots and military personnel.
His Majesty said the nation’s experience in purchasing second-hand Skyhawk aircraft should serve as a lesson, as the planes could not be fully utilised.
"Do not repeat the past mistake, like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks… are we going to put our pilots in 'flying coffins'? Think for yourselves.
"I believe all this happens because the Defence Ministry is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen, and even textile traders trying to sell drones,” he said.
