SERDANG, Sept 13 — 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 Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) today.
His Highness 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 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 Selangor crown prince, 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.
His Highness also congratulated all cadet officers who were commissioned, reminding them that their success is not just a personal achievement, but the start of larger responsibilities as young leaders 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 crown prince also reiterated that the oath of allegiance they took today is a sacred promise to the nation and the people, and urged them to continue serving.
Thirty-nine cadets also received the Sword of Honour award.
Earlier, Tengku Amir Shah arrived at about 9am and was greeted by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief of Defence Force Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.
Also present was UPM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.
