MELAKA, July 30 — More than 39,000 Malaysian Army (TDM) officers and personnel, as well as their spouses, will cast their ballots as early voters in the upcoming polls in six states on Aug 8.
Army chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman said of that number, more than 29,000 people are military officers and personnel, while more than 9,000 are spouses.
“My advice is to choose a candidate who is seen to be able to govern the state well… choose well.
“We do not force army officers and members to vote for a particular candidate,” he told reporters, after the 2023 army shooting skills test (UKMTD) at Terendak Camp Shooting Range here today.
The Raja Muda of Selangor Captain Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also took part in the test. Also participating was army deputy chief Lt Gen Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.
Mohammad added that the army is always ready to implement the ‘Op Neraca’ to ensure the safety of the people during the polls in Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor.
He said that the army also collaborated with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to identify hot spots in the six states which are likely to cause provocations or situations which could threaten public order, and stricter monitoring would be carried out at these locations.
Earlier, commenting on the UKMTD 2023, he said that as many as 715 officers and personnel participated in the test, which has been held since July 21.
He said that UKMTD is a biennial shooting competition, which aims to evaluate the ability and skill level of army personnel in the aspect of handling weapons, individually and in groups.
“Indirectly, this test has demonstrated the credibility of TDM personnel who are always ready and committed to carrying out the main task of ensuring the security and sovereignty of the country,” he said.
