SIBU: The Ex-Royal Malaysian Navy Association has urged the federal government to increase the quota for Sarawakians to join the navy and armed forces.
The call was made by its Sarawak Chapter president Thomas Ling during the association’s 11th annual general meeting here yesterday.
“Many youths in the state want to join the navy and armed forces but were turned down as the quota for Sarawak has been fixed at 10 percent for each recruitment exercise.
“The applicants are qualified in terms of their physique and academic qualifications. However, only a few are selected due to the fixed quota,” he pointed out.
Ling appealed to the federal government to consider their request because the association also wanted more Sarawakians to be in the military.
He also wanted qualified Sarawakians who were still serving in the navy to be promoted as officers.
Deputy president of the parent body of the association Mohd Zin Mohamed, meanwhile, called on the navy veterans to be self reliant after they had retired.
He urged them to take up courses at Malaysia Skills Institute (Institut Kemahiran Malaysia) to gain employment or to set up their own business.
“After retiring from the navy, many veterans are still physically and mentally fit. Hence, I advise you all to take up a course at Institut Kemahiran Malaysia to equip yourself with the relevant skills,” he said.
Zin, who retired in 2009, also advised members of the association to avoid fighting for positions in the association.
“In an association like this, there is only one president. The members should give the president their fullest support so that the association can function well,” he said.
A representative of the parent’s body in Kuching Jeffery Nerat also advised members of the association to stay relevant although they had retired.
“Keep abreast with the association’s activities and stay relevant in accordance with the current developments in the society,” he said.
Jeffery also wanted the members to be committed to the association so that it couldachieve its objectives.
