US Jerusalem move: Malaysian army 'ready' to play role

International Desk: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are always ready for the signal and directives from the top leadership and head of state on the issue of Jerusalem.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the country should be prepared to face any eventuality.

“As the Defence Minister, I am confident that we will carry out any order from the supreme commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V.

“Armed Forces chief (General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor) and the MAF are definitely ready,” said Hishammuddin, who is also Umno vice-president, when winding-up the debate at the Umno General Assembly 2017, here, yesterday.

Hishammuddin said the United States’ plan to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel was a slap in the face for the entire Muslim world.

“Earlier this week, we were surprised by a very disturbing news relating to the geo-political stability of the world, let us pray that this conflict will not lead (us) to the brink of destruction,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin pledged that the efforts to safeguard the welfare of the armed forces personnel, veterans and their families would continue as long as he held the post with the support of the prime minister and deputy prime minister.

“The country’s sovereignty is not just about the sophistication and completeness of its assets and technology, but it also depends on the willingness of the soldiers to sacrifice their hearts and souls.

“We at the Defence Ministry believe that our military personnel can do it when they know the families they leave behind are safe and taken care of,” he said.

Hishammuddin also promised that he would safeguard the safety and security of all Malaysians as long as he remained as Defence Minister.

He also slammed the opposition which often ridiculed the government and created unnecessary dramas including issues pertaining to national security such as the Lahad Datu incident, military assets and the rights of armed forces members as voters.

“However, it is the armed forces they look for when there is a disaster or chaos,” said Hishammuddin, who also lashed out at certain quarters in Penang for denying the assistance given by the security forces during the recent floods in the DAP-controlled state for political expediency.

Agencies



risingbd/Dhaka/Dec 10, 2017/Nasim