Deploying military personnel on the streets to help enforce Covid-19 SOP has enabled the armed forces to show a side not often seen by the Malaysian public. IT is always a pleasure to address members of our armed forces, an institution about which many Malaysians have misconceptions. But as it turns out, it has become an opportunity for the armed forces to show a side not often seen by the Malaysian public: in being on the front line, risking their own health, soldiers have become humanised and appreciated. I suggest that highlighting the historical contributions made towards fighting communist terrorism, and participation in UN-mandated peacekeeping around the world, would further combat negative assumptions about our armed forces. This article is distilled from the author’s speech and interactive session with Lieutenant Colonels attending the Malaysian Armed Forces Defence College on March 24,2021.

Source: The Star March 26, 2021 00:41 UTC