LUBOK ANTU: A strong and continuous multidimensional synergy is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Army Eastern Field Command commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Mohd Sofi Md Lepi stressed that it is essential for every member of society to understand and appreciate that “we are all integral components of a closely interconnected national security ecosystem.”
He added that in today’s era, where security threats are multidimensional and asymmetrical, the role of the public in supporting national defense efforts has become increasingly critical and cannot be overlooked.
“Therefore, only through strong and continuous multidimensional synergy can we ensure the preservation of the nation’s sovereignty and security for future generations.”
Lt-Gen Mohd Sofi was speaking at the launch of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Strategic Plan Programme organised by the Eastern Field Command Headquarters in collaboration with Sarawak government agencies at SK Lubok Antu, Thursday (Dec 19).
As a caring and responsible society, he explained, everyone can contribute to the nation through various initiatives.
“Significant measures include promptly reporting suspicious activities to authorities, participating in community security awareness programs, and fostering patriotism and love for the nation among the younger generation through education and positive role models.”
Touching on the Jiwa Murni programme, now known as Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC), he revealed that MINDEF carried out 91 such programmes nationwide this year.
“The Eastern Field Command Headquarters conducted 22 programmes, 13 of which were in Sarawak.
“These statistics demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the government to strengthening the symbiotic relationship between the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the community.”
He also expressed his deep appreciation for the active participation of various entities from the Sarawak government, private sector, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) alongside the ATM.
“The MINDEF Strategic Plan Programme at SK Lubok Antu is a concrete manifestation of the collaboration among various parties in realizing the Whole of Government, Whole of Society (WOGOS) concept.”
The programme, aimed at strengthening ties between ATM personnel and the community, also provided the public an opportunity to better understand the roles and responsibilities of the ATM.
Additionally, it sought to enhance relationships and collaboration between ATM and public agencies in line with the WOGOS concept outlined in the Defence White Paper.
The event featured health and dental check-ups, asset and weapon exhibitions, unarmed combat demonstrations, tambor performances, Zumba sessions, Territorial Army recruitment, karaoke competitions, telematches and lucky draws.
The programme also included the distribution of food aid boxes to underprivileged families and contributions to improve the school’s surau facilities.
Also present were First Infantry Division commander Major-General Datuk Khairul Anuar Abd Aziz; Chief of General Staff at the Eastern Field Command Headquarters, Major-General Datuk Zambery Jefry Darus; 3rd Brigade commander Brigadier-General Mohd Saufi Omar; director of Administration and Logistics at the Eastern Field Command Headquarters, Brigadier-General Mohd Athiyah Hassan; director of Health at the Eastern Field Command Headquarters, Brigadier-General Dr Shamsul Bahary Muhamad; SK Lubok Antu headmaster Harold Wilson Api; assistant secretary of the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Mohd Syahrulnizam Jamalludin; Sarawak Islamic Council secretary Hasroliza Bolhassan, MyFund Action representative Nurul Athira Muhamad Affandi, and Lubok Antu District Office representative Mohamad Syafiq Midin.
