GEDONG: The MINDEF Strategic Plan for the Jiwa Murni Perdana Programme in Gedong aims to strengthen the relationship between the military and the public.

According to the Chief of Staff of the Eastern Field Command of the Malaysian Army, Major General Dato' Zambery Jefry Darus, the programme is held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Field Command.

“The MINDEF Strategic Plan is an initiative designed by the Ministry of Defense Malaysia to enhance cooperation between the public sector and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in efforts to uphold national sovereignty.

“This programme emphasises the importance of collaboration between civilian communities and the military to ensure that the public, along with leaders at all levels, understand the significance of mutual understanding, engagement, cooperation, and the roles that must be played by the community in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty,” he said.

He said this in his speech delivered by the Chief of Staff of the First Division Headquarters, Colonel Mohd Rosli Darasid during the official launch of the MINDEF Strategic Plan for the Jiwa Murni Perdana programme at the Datuk Patinggi Ali Hall on Saturday.

He explained that such relationships can be nurtured through public community involvement in activities organised by both the military and civilian sectors as part of comprehensive defence efforts.

“As we all know, the community in Gedong has consistently demonstrated a strong spirit of cooperation with the military as agents of national security and sovereignty.

“Numerous collaborations have been established between the residents of Gedong and the military, including home repairs, building bridges, maintaining cemeteries, mosques, and more.

“Today, we once again witness the close cooperation between the Gedong community and the military through the joint organisation of this strategic MINDEF programme,” he added.

Additionally, the Special Representative of the Gedong Assemblyman (ADUN), Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, noted that the security of the nation and its citizens remains intact in peace today.

“Malaysia has always lived in a peaceful and harmonious state, where we can plan the progress of the country and state, choose which hospitals to go to, and our children can choose which universities to attend with government support.

“All this would not be possible without those who have sacrificed their lives, time, and families to ensure safety and tranquillity for the people and the nation that we enjoy today.

“These individuals include our security personnel, particularly the military, police, forest rangers, as well as immigration, customs officials, and all agencies under the Ministry of Defense Malaysia (MINDEF),” he added.

Through this programme, various activities have been organised, including religious talks, tree planting at mosques between the military and local communities, community service to clean cemeteries, motivational programmes in schools, military exhibitions, and promotions for the Army Reserve, benefiting all security and military aspects, local communities, and the state government.

Also present were the Gedong District Officer, Tamida Da'adi, Colonel of Intelligence at the Eastern Field Command of the Malaysian Army, Colonel Sukcha Din Tawan, and the Staff Officer 1 of the First Infantry Division Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Chua Ray Han. -UKASnews