PBDS backs revival of Sarawak Rangers as state-level security force
KUCHING (July 5): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has voiced strong support for the re-establishment of the Sarawak Rangers as a state-level defence and civil security force, said its permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony.
He said a revived Sarawak Rangers could complement the national defence force as a state-level paramilitary or auxiliary unit would be well-suited to assist in disaster response, border control, and rural surveillance, particularly given Sarawak's vast and unique terrain.
'PBDS believes this proposed Sarawak Rangers force could work alongside national military and civil defence forces, especially under the structure of Territorial Army (Wataniah) or Auxiliary Police, but with its own Sarawakian identity, mission, and command elements,' he said in a statement.
He also said Sarawak Rangers are a symbol of Dayak honour and warriorhood.
'Reviving them would preserve and dignify this legacy, giving new meaning and purpose to the younger generation of Dayaks,' he said.
He also suggested that training and recruiting local Sarawakians into such a force could create jobs, instill discipline, and help reduce social issues such as rural unemployment and substance abuse.
According to him again, Sarawak Rangers is rooted in Sarawak's historical legacy and tailored to its unique geographical, cultural, and security needs.
'The Sarawak Rangers were once the pride of the state – a highly disciplined, locally trained unit composed largely of Dayak warriors, especially from the Iban community, known for their bravery, jungle warfare skills, and loyalty.
'Their service in major conflicts – from the Brooke era, World Wars, to the Malayan Emergency and the Confrontation with Indonesia – proves their value not just in Sarawak, but to the entire nation,' he said.
On Wednesday, federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it is both timely and necessary to explore the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as the state's internal security corps.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general stressed, however, that such a move should not be misconstrued as an attempt to create a rival force to the Malaysian Army.
Nanta made the remarks in a Facebook post, responding to an announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKS) 8th anniversary dinner on Tuesday.
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