KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has expressed his gratitude to the national security forces for their service and devotion in protecting the sovereignty of the country.

Her Majesty, Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia also expressed her appreciation to members of the Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police.

As the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Majesty highly commended and expressed his deepest appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication to maintaining peace and order at all times, Bernama reported.

“Thank you to all our national heroes. Your service and sacrifices will always be remembered,” Their Majesties said in a Facebook post uploaded in conjunction with Warriors’ Day yesterday.

Their Majesties also expressed condolences to the families of members of the security forces who have been killed while on duty.

“May the souls of those who are Muslims be blessed by Allah SWT and be placed among the pious,” His Majesty said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also wished a happy Warriors’ Day to all Armed Forces and police personnel.

In his post on Facebook, he expressed his appreciation for the contribution and sacrifices made by the security forces.

“Today, we commemorate and celebrate all the heroes of the country for their services, deeds and sacrifices in ensuring the security and defending the sovereignty of the country.

“Thank you for fighting for our beloved race, religion and country. You are the national heroes! Happy Warriors’ Day 2024,” he posted.

Earlier in the day, Their Majesties attended a parade commemorating the celebration at Dataran Pahlawan Negara here.

The Warriors’ Day celebration mounted by the Armed Forces was a static parade involving four detachments of the police, Armed Forces, Veterans Association of Malaysian Armed Forces, and Ex-Police Association of Malaysia.

The event began with a rendition of the national anthem, Negaraku, accompanied by a 21-gun salute conducted by Mejar Hafizan Mat Ghani from the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment (Ceremonial).

His Majesty then inspected the main guard of honour.

The Warriors’ Day parade involved 17 officers and 683 personnel of other ranks from the police and Armed Forces led by Lt-Kol Abang Raduan Abang Madihi of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Also present were Anwar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Armed Forces Chief Jen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman and the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain were also in attendance.

Following the sounding of the Last Post and the lowering of the Jalur Gemilang, all the guests present stood and saluted.

The ceremony continued with a special pantomime performance titled Ops Subuh by the police and Armed Forces, which revolved around the tragedy on July 6, 2000.

It was the result of the joint effort of the Commander of the Second Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Brig Jen Datuk Asri Shukor, and the Staff Officer II of the 4th Division Headquarters Training, Mejar Fitri Vinoth Ridzuan Sugumaran, which was presented by 85 officers and members of the security forces.

Ops Subuh was a fight between the national security forces and a group of individuals calling themselves Al-Maunah in Bukit Jenalik, Sauk in Perak, who planned to overthrow the government in July 2000.

The sad and bitter mood was evident on the faces of Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, as well as several guests of honour, as they watched the pantomime performance, which was also accompanied by Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s song, Di Mana Kan Ku Cari Ganti and Kali Terakhir Ku Lihat Wajahmu by Uji Rashid.

The performance also included the recitation of a poem titled Jenalik Berdarah by Sjn Siti Nur Aini Jasni and Inspector Muhammad Faizul Mustafa as replica coffins of two national warriors who died in the bloody tragedy were brought in.

The King and Queen also consented to meet the families of the victims after the pantomime performance ended.

Since 1960, the country has celebrated Warriors’ Day every July 31 as a way to honour the officers and members of the Armed Forces and police who have lost their lives defending the country’s sovereignty.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/01/thank-you-our-national-heroes