SERIAN: National defence is not the sole responsibility of the military but a shared duty that requires the support and participation of every Malaysian, said Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem.
Speaking at a Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) community engagement programme in Kampung Tebakang Bidayuh, he said the event is a meaningful initiative that strengthens ties between the armed forces and the people.
“The military and the people are inseparable. That is the key message,” he said, when met after launching the Jiwa Murni programme held in conjunction with the National Defence Strategic Plan (PSPN) Carnival in Kampung Tebakang Bidayuh near here, Saturday.
Riot said safeguarding the nation’s security cannot depend on the armed forces alone, but must also involve the people.
“The defence of our country does not depend on the military alone. It requires the involvement of the people. This is very important,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation to the ATM for bringing the programme here, describing it as a rare and significant occasion.
“As the Member of Parliament for Serian, I am very happy and deeply grateful to the Malaysian Armed Forces for bringing what I would call a once-in-a-lifetime event here. I am especially thankful that the Armed Forces Chief himself is here for this very meaningful programme,” he said.
He added that such initiatives provide the public with a greater understanding of the armed forces’ role beyond safeguarding the nation’s borders.
The programme drew participation from people of all backgrounds, reflecting the spirit of unity within Serian’s multi-ethnic community.
“Kampung Tebakang may be divided into Tebakang Bidayuh, Tebakang Melayu and Tebakang Cina, but today we see everyone here together, Bidayuh, Iban, Malays, Chinese, all communities are present,” he said.
Meanwhile, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Major General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof said, national defence can only be strengthened when the military and the people work hand in hand.
He added that the National Defence Strategic Plan (PSPN) was introduced to reinforce cooperation between the civilian community and the ATM in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
“It is important for communities and leaders at every level to understand the need for mutual understanding, participation, cooperation and the role that society must play in safeguarding national security and sovereignty,” he said.
He added that such awareness can be cultivated through active participation in programmes jointly organised by the military and civilian agencies as part of a comprehensive national defence strategy.
He said Program Jiwa Murni, organised alongside the PSPN Carnival, demonstrates the strength of civil-military cooperation through community-focused initiatives.
He also said the programme also featured free medical and dental services, military exhibitions and capability demonstrations by the 1st Infantry Division.
He also expressed appreciation to the residents of Kampung Tebakang Bidayuh and neighbouring villages for their enthusiastic support, describing it as evidence of the community’s enduring patriotism.
“I hope the 1st Infantry Division will continue to plan and implement programmes like this so that the close relationship between the armed forces and the people will continue to grow stronger,” he said.
