Raja Muda Of Selangor Attends Commissioning Of 1,927 PALAPES Cadet Officers

SERDANG, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,927 cadet officers from the Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES), comprising students from 20 public universities (UA) nationwide, have been commissioned as Second Lieutenants into the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) reserve unit.

The 43rd Royal Commissioning Ceremony for UA PALAPES cadet officers was officiated by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) today.

Tengku Amir Shah also presented the appointment letters to the officers, comprising 1,098 Junior Officers in the Territorial Army Regiment (RAW), 431 Junior Officers in the Royal Malaysian Navy Volunteer Reserve Force (PSSTLDM) and 398 Junior Officers in the Royal Malaysian Air Force Volunteer Reserve (PSSTUDM).

Tengku Amir Shah emphasised that the success of PALAPES cadet officers is part of efforts to strengthen the MAF through the 'Whole of Government, Whole of Society’ (WoGoS) approach, which demands the comprehensive collaboration of government and private agencies and the community in defending the country from threats that are becoming more complex.

According to the Raja Muda of Selangor, the MAF is implementing a phased transformation and modernisation plan based on the concept of Future Force aimed at creating a more integrated, agile and focused force in multi-domain operations.

"The formation of the Future Force, drawn up by the MAF, will need the participation and involvement of talent and skills in various fields that you can contribute to.

"As such, I urge all of you to continue to actively serve as volunteers nationwide or join the force permanently after graduating,” Tengku Amir Shah said.

The Raja Muda of Selangor also congratulated all the cadet officers who were commissioned, while reminding them that their success is not just a personal achievement, but also the start of bigger responsibilities as young leaders of society and the country's reserve warriors.

"With the basic military knowledge gained during training, I hope you will become citizens who are disciplined, with the heart of a warrior and love for our sovereign nation,” Tengku Amir Shah said.

The Raja Muda of Selangor also reiterated that the oath of allegiance they pledged today is a sacred promise to the nation and the people, in addition to urging the cadet officers to continue contributing their services and showcasing their patriotic spirit wherever they are.

A total of 39 people also received the Sword of Honour award for best overall cadets.

Earlier, Tengku Amir Shah arrived at about 9 am and was greeted by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

Also present was Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.

The UA PALAPES Cadet Officers Royal Commissioning Ceremony is an annual event organised by public universities throughout Malaysia on a rotation basis.

-- BERNAMA