KUCHING: The Askar Wataniah (AW) or Territorial Army serves an important role as a bridge between uniformed personnel and the community.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said participation in AW can strengthen the relationship between the public and the army.
“We have common ground and objectives. That is why I asked the Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and senior government officers to join the AW.
“This would at least ensure good ties… a bridge between the community and uniformed groups,” he said during the 35th Territorial Army Commanders’ Conference (SKAW) dinner at Pullman Hotel here last night (May 13).
Abang Johari, who is also the Sarawak Territorial Army Support Committee (JAKPAW), said AW supported the state government’s efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I personally went to the field and saw that in times of national crisis, we as a team, whether civil servants, police or the army, worked together.
“The Op Benteng was conducted during the Covid-19, and the army was with us in that operation to monitor the border areas and maintain communication with our neighbouring country.
“During that period, our neighbour needed cooking gas, and we sent it to West Kalimantan through existing relations between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and our Malaysian army,” he said, adding that the Sarawak government also provided support in helping the army to buy Scrambler motorcycles to enable them to monitor the border areas.
“The state government certainly cooperates with the army and other forces to protect our nation.
“Hence, we educate our community on discipline, using the army as a backbone to foster good relations among the army, the military, and the people,” said Abang Johari.
