Friday, July 25, 2008

FRIDAY 25 JULY 2008- MORE NON BUMIS TO JOIN ARMED FORCES AFTER NS


More non-Bumis interested to join armed forces after NS

KOTA KINABALU:

The National Service Training Program can motivate more non-Bumiputera youths to join the armed forces, according to Division 1 Commanding Officer Mej Gen Datuk Mazelan Kasap. He said there is going to be a growing number of non Bumiputeras joining the Army due to some positive inputs in the training. “This is the time for Royal Malaysian Army (ATM) to recruit more non-Bumiputeras in the Army, which has seen more Bumiputera youths joining its ranks after attending the National Service Program,” he told a press conference on Career Expo with Royal Malaysian Army organised by the Ministry of Defence with the cooperation of the State Government. Mazelan said that in Semantan National Service Camp, there were participants who showed interest by asking questions about the Army and most of them showed their love for the country. That proved that they have the enthusiasm to join the Army, he said, adding that the responsibility of protecting the country and its people is the responsibility of every race of people, and not just one race. “There should be participation from various races especially in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said. Mazelan said the percentage of non-Bumiputeras at recruit training centres is still low. He said part of the reason for low participation from non Bumiputera youths is the lack of awareness of the benefits of joining the Army. “If they are given more exposure on the benefits, surely more non-Bumiputeras would want to join the Army,” he said. Mazelan said the Expo will be held on August 15-17 from lOam to 1O.3Opm at Padang Merdeka here, and it will be launched by Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Defence Datuk Sen Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak on August 15 at 2. 3Opm. He said the objective of the Expo is to create awareness of the career opportunities in the Army and attract more youths, especially non-Bumis to join. The Army, Navy and Air Force as well as National Service Training Department, Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran and Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Angkatan Tentera, Royal Army College and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia will display various career opportunities during the three-day Expo. There will be also free dental care service, blood check, weapon and acrobatic demonstrations as well as cultural performances during the first two nights.