Nanta backs Premier's Sandhurst initiative, explore revival of Sarawak Rangers
KUCHING (July 2): It is timely and necessary to explore the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as the state's own internal security corps, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He stressed, however, that such a move should not be misunderstood as an attempt to create a rival to the Malaysian Army.
'It is purely to complement the national security forces especially to ensure internal security of Sarawak is best looked after,' he said in a Facebook post today, responding to an announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on during the Sarawak Security and Enforcement (UPKS) 8th anniversary dinner on Tuesday.
Abang Johari had said the Sarawak government plans to offer scholarships for Sarawakians interested in security careers to pursue studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom to cultivate a pool of talent and expertise that can serve in various agencies, including the police, military, and UPKS.
Describing the initiative as a commendable step, Nanta said it provides valuable opportunities for Sarawakian students, especially those aspiring to serve in security and defence roles.
Apart from that, it would also enrich and prepare them to be well qualified leaders of the future.
Students at the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. – AFP
'Students at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst do not just learn military theories and strategies, but also on how to become well qualified leaders duly inculcated with cultures of high discipline, integrity, accountability and all the good virtues of leadership.
'Therefore it is timely and appropriate for such a move. Once again, the Premier has come up with a brilliant idea – an idea that definitely can enable Sarawak to become a truly developed and a progressive state where the business of running the government is well grounded based on universal virtues of 'what is right, is right and, what is wrong, is wrong'.
'Meaning, (the) governance will be proper, upholding the basic principles of fairness, merits, conscience, inclusive, irrespective of colour, creed, race or religion,' he said.
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