-Starpic
KUALA LUMPUR: Incidents of wrongdoing within the armed forces do not reflect the actions of the whole army, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin
The Umno deputy president, who is also Defence Minister, said those implicated will not be spared from the full brunt of the law, while appealing for the rakyat to continue trusting the institution.
“Of late, there have been instances of our personnel being embroiled in controversies where some are being investigated for corruption and hedonistic practices, among others.
“However, this does not reflect the armed forces as a whole.
“The majority are filled with integrity, serve the country sincerely and are willing to give their lives for the country,” he said when winding up debates at the Umno annual general assembly on Saturday (Jan 17).
Mohamed Khaled said the army has always been at the forefront when it comes to ensuring national security.
“It is an institution whose role is irreplaceable in times of peace and conflict. This allows the rakyat to always feel protected and safe.
“On behalf of Umno, we will make sure that this trust in the army will be rebuilt,” he said.
He added that Umno’s contributions to nation building is evident through the formation of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) with its third edition set to be rolled out.
PLKN, he said, is also seen by Umno as a long-term social investment towards uplifting the rakyat.
“We began this in 2004 up till 2018. This programme however was stopped once we were no longer part of the government.
“When we assumed power again, we revived the programme with some 100,000 youths set to benefit from it this year,” he said, highlighting Umno’s role in building the next generation of Malaysians.
The contributions of army veterans are also not forgotten with the Defence Ministry set to roll out upskilling programmes for them.
“This is how we express our gratitude to them, ensuring they are not left behind,” Mohamed Khaled added.
He further acknowledged how support towards the party has eroded, however noting that no skies have always been clear forever.
Mohamed Khaled said Umno must make up ground to also become the kingmaker in the national political landscape.
“We have proven ourselves to be trusted allies and must be in the position where no government can be formed without us.
“We are the glue that holds Malaysia together while staying true to its principles,” he said.
