Nanta Backs Premier’s Sandhurst Initiative For Sarawakian Youth

SIBU, July 2 (Bernama) -- Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has expressed full support for Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s plan to send Sarawakian students to study at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, describing it as a timely and visionary initiative.

He said the move would not only provide new opportunities for Sarawakians, especially in military studies, but also help mould the youth into future leaders, instilled with values of discipline, integrity and accountability.

“Students at Sandhurst do not just study military theories and strategies; they are groomed to become leaders with a deep sense of responsibility, discipline and a strong moral compass,” he said in a statement here today.

He added that such training would empower Sarawakian youth and contribute to building a progressive and developed Sarawak, with governance grounded in fairness, merit, inclusivity and ethical values.

“Once again, the Premier has introduced a brilliant idea, one that can lay a strong foundation for future governance based on the universal principle of ‘what is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong’, regardless of colour, creed, race or religion,” said Nanta, who is also the Kapit Member of Parliament.  

Referring to Abang Johari’s remarks on the need to enhance Sarawak’s internal security, Nanta suggested the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as a state-level internal security corps.

He stressed that the re-establishment of the historic force should not be misunderstood as an attempt to rival the Malaysian Armed Forces but rather as a complementary effort to enhance national security, with a focus on safeguarding Sarawak’s internal stability.

“The Sarawak Rangers, if revived, could serve as a specialised internal security unit to support existing federal agencies and ensure that Sarawak’s unique security needs are adequately addressed,” he said.

It was reported that the Sarawak government is ready to offer scholarships to the state’s youth who are interested in pursuing a career in security to further their studies at Sandhurst.

Abang Johari said the move was part of the state government’s efforts to develop the talents of its young people to meet security needs.

-- BERNAMA