Defence Ministry to Prioritise Armed Forces’ Readiness, Says Khaled Nordin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry will continue to place the readiness of the Armed Forces as its top priority in line with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Khaled said this commitment would be carried out while modernizing the nation’s defense capabilities, including assets for the elite Rejimen Gerak Khas (RGK).

“In line with His Majesty’s decree, the ministry will continue prioritizing the preparedness of the Armed Forces while modernizing our defense assets, including those for the RGK.

“To all members and veterans of the Gerak Khas Regiment, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on its 60th anniversary,” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

Earlier, Sultan Ibrahim attended the 60th Anniversary Parade of the Gerak Khas Regiment at Kem Iskandar, Mersing. The parade showcased five detachments comprising 18 officers and 173 personnel from the 11th Special Service Regiment, 21st Commando Regiment, 22nd Commando Regiment, the Combined Unit, and the Army Special Warfare Training Centre (Pulpak).

Formed in 1965, the regiment has grown from a small unit into a modern, multi-domain special forces regiment.

During the event, Sultan Ibrahim issued a stern reminder to the Defence Ministry not to repeat past mistakes in the procurement of military assets, particularly second-hand aircraft that could jeopardize the lives of military personnel.

Citing the nation’s experience with used Skyhawk fighter jets, which were unable to be fully utilized, the King warned against similar errors.

“Do not repeat the past mistake, like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks… Are we going to put our pilots in ‘flying coffins’? Think for yourselves.

“I believe all this happens because the Defence Ministry is full of agents or ex-generals turned salesmen and even textile traders trying to sell drones,” His Majesty said.