LCS 2 launched in Lumut, honours Raja Muda Nala's legacy
The vessel is a symbol of national pride, as it is the first frigate-class ship to be fully constructed by a local company, Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (LUNAS).
The Raja Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, officiated the launch of LCS 2, witnessed by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, at LUNAS, located at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) naval base here this morning.
Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari; Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan; Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar; RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain; and Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
As a symbolic gesture to mark the launch of LCS 2, a kendi, a traditional water pitcher, was ceremoniously smashed against the bow of the ship.
The water in the kendi had been collected from nine mosques, each representing one of the nine districts in Selangor, and was blessed through the recitation of Surah Yasin by the Imam of the Selangor State Mosque.
Adly, who read a speech on behalf of his minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, said the name Raja Muda Nala was chosen in honour of a revered national hero who led the people of Selangor in their resistance against Dutch domination.
"He was appointed Raja Muda by his brother, Sultan Ibrahim, in 1782. Throughout his life, Raja Muda Nala played an important role as a regional nobleman of Selangor before passing away in Aceh, Sumatra, in 1788 while assisting the Aceh Sultanate in suppressing a rebellion by the Dusun people in Pedir.
"His military contributions were particularly prominent through his involvement in the wars against the Dutch in Melaka, as well as his efforts to defend Bukit Malawati alongside Sultan Ibrahim.
"Although Raja Muda Nala was eventually forced to retreat to Pahang, he returned to fight alongside others to recapture Bukit Malawati in 1785," he said.
He added that this legacy indirectly reflects the extraordinary courage and determination that should be emulated by every member of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the people of this country.
"In this context, the spirit of heroism, struggle, and bravery of Raja Muda Nala is seen as highly fitting and aligned with the capabilities of the RMN's LCS, which is designed to face various threats in the era of modern warfare," he said.
He noted that, as a mark of respect for Raja Muda Nala's contributions and legacy, his name is now immortalised on the ship launched today.
"This illustrious name will become a symbol of the steadfast fighting spirit and strength of the RMN's fleet in defending the sovereignty and maritime interests of our beloved nation," he said.
He added that the ceremony, a longstanding maritime tradition, is also a special and meaningful moment in the life of a ship.
"The event marks a significant milestone before the vessel is officially handed over and commissioned into service with the RMN.
"The name given to the ship will remain its identity throughout its lifetime and will become a source of pride for all who serve on board.
"In today's increasingly complex regional and global security landscape, the role of the RMN has become ever more challenging," he said.
As such, he said, the acquisition is part of the RMN's strategic plan to strengthen fleet readiness by acquiring high-tech, combat-capable assets capable of conducting a wide range of maritime operations to defend national waters.
"The second LCS is a symbol of national pride, as it is the first frigate-class vessel to be fully constructed by Lunas.
"The construction process began with the keel-laying ceremony on Feb 28, 2017."
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