Yes, it is the 43rd birthday for Malaysia. Confusing isn’t it? It was 16 days ago that I wrote something similar but the number’s different. It was 49.
Well, the Federated and Unfederated Malay states gained independence from the British colonials 49 years ago but 43 years ago was when the Federation of Malaya changed its name to its current: Federation of Malaysia, with the joining of the British North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak. Malaysia, in its current form (well, less Singapore) is not much older than I am…but I am losing steam already with the developments of current affairs in Malaysia. Just hope Malaysia has got the stamina to go on as a united nation.
Today also symbolises the Armed Forces Day. Those in uniform will be attending parades at their respective bases/camps, listening to the speech given by the Chief of Armed Forces who is from the Navy. During my days, it was just a dream to have a CAF who is not from the Army. The guys in blue, green and white are certainly having a better time than what those with and before me did in terms of perks and pay.
But I am disturbed by the indiscipline of the various members of the Armed Forces. When Tun Dr Mahathir was sprayed with pepper spray, several members of the armed forces were employed by one of the organisers as bodyguards for the day. Several weeks ago, 6 members of the armed forces were shot and arrested by the police for robbing a handphone shop. Maybe monotony or the revised Armed Forces Act, 1972, is making it difficult for the CO level to dish out administrative punishments as standing orders are in conflict with the Act. Sometimes following by the book is not so good.
I am also disturbed by the fact that the Scorpene submarines the Navy has ordered and are now under construction will not come with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. What is the point of having a machine that should be able to be used stealthly for stalking enemy vessels, planting of agents and special forces, and intelligence gathering, when it has to snorkle every now and then to be able to run on diesel (noisy) just to recharge its batteries? Haven’t the Navy people heard of the saying: “Run silent, run deep”? Or don’t they know that the submarine service is also known elsewhere in the world as “The Silent Service”?
When we purchase, we must purchase it because it is the best and cost-effective. We do not do away one for the other.
I just hope I am wrong in thinking we’re being duped into buying again.
SeaDemon Says 