Latest news with #SarawakRangers
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS calls for revival of Sarawak Rangers, local defence force for border security
This undated handout photo shows Moses (second right), Stephen (second left) and other military officers during a courtesy call on the late Datuk Awang Raweng (third left) at his home in Sri Aman. Awang, the nation's sole recipient of the George Cross gallantry medal, passed away in September 2020 at the age of 91. SIBU (July 10): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Major (R) Moses Ripai has called on both the federal and Sarawak governments to strengthen the state's security infrastructure and formally recognise the historic contributions of the Sarawak Rangers, placing Dayak leadership at the core of future defence strategies. Drawing from his own decorated military career, Moses asserted that Sarawak must no longer be treated as a passive backline in Malaysia's national security planning. 'With Indonesia's new capital Nusantara rising in Kalimantan and rising tensions in the South China Sea, Sarawak is no longer at the periphery – it is now on the frontline,' he said in a statement. He warned that border districts such as Bukit Mabong, Belaga, and Lawas remain highly exposed to cross-border threats, smuggling, and exploitation. Defence responses, he stressed, must be tailored to Sarawak's geography, history, and local expertise. Moses, who served in the 6th Royal Rangers Regiment and participated in Malaysia's Special Forces mission during United Nations operations in Somalia, underscored the importance of institutionalising the legacy of the Sarawak Rangers – a unit composed primarily of Dayak warriors renowned for their jungle warfare skills and loyalty during key conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. 'Many of these warriors served with honour, but died unsung. Their families were forgotten, their history left to fade,' he said. He supported a recent call by Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi for Sarawak and the Dayak community to be given greater responsibility in the country's defence strategy, describing the minister's remarks as 'bold and timely.' 'It echoes PBDS' longstanding position that Sarawak must be entrusted with the responsibility and the tools, to secure its own future,' said Moses. He also proposed that Sarawak establish its own Territorial Army Regiment or ranger-based detachment, composed of local personnel particularly Dayak veterans and military-trained youth. To preserve and honour the past, Moses also proposed the establishment of a Sarawak Rangers Memorial and Research Centre in either Kapit or Sri Aman, aimed at documenting history, training future generations in jungle warfare, and nurturing a sense of military pride in rural communities. 'Security must be homegrown. No one knows this land better than our own people. And no one has earned the right to defend it more than those who already gave their blood for it.' He further called for greater integration of Dayak veterans into national roles involving border defence, disaster relief, and community safety, especially in areas lacking formal security presence. Moses also identified Lt Gen (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw, former Commander of the Eastern Field Command, as the ideal figure to lead any formal revival or institutionalisation of the Sarawak Rangers legacy. 'I served beside Datuk Stephen Mundaw. We shared trenches and walked the same trails. He is not only a respected senior officer, but a grounded and loyal son of Sarawak,' he noted. Moses concluded by stressing that Sarawak's defence role must evolve from that of a 'forgotten frontier' into a central pillar of Malaysia's overall security framework. 'Peace does not come by accident. It is paid for by men who served quietly and died anonymously. 'Let us not fail their memory. Let us give Sarawak the respect and readiness it deserves.' border security Moses Ripai PBDS Sarawak Rangers
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS backs revival of Sarawak Rangers as state-level security force
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (July 5): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has voiced strong support for the re-establishment of the Sarawak Rangers as a state-level defence and civil security force, said its permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony. He said a revived Sarawak Rangers could complement the national defence force as a state-level paramilitary or auxiliary unit would be well-suited to assist in disaster response, border control, and rural surveillance, particularly given Sarawak's vast and unique terrain. 'PBDS believes this proposed Sarawak Rangers force could work alongside national military and civil defence forces, especially under the structure of Territorial Army (Wataniah) or Auxiliary Police, but with its own Sarawakian identity, mission, and command elements,' he said in a statement. He also said Sarawak Rangers are a symbol of Dayak honour and warriorhood. 'Reviving them would preserve and dignify this legacy, giving new meaning and purpose to the younger generation of Dayaks,' he said. He also suggested that training and recruiting local Sarawakians into such a force could create jobs, instill discipline, and help reduce social issues such as rural unemployment and substance abuse. According to him again, Sarawak Rangers is rooted in Sarawak's historical legacy and tailored to its unique geographical, cultural, and security needs. 'The Sarawak Rangers were once the pride of the state – a highly disciplined, locally trained unit composed largely of Dayak warriors, especially from the Iban community, known for their bravery, jungle warfare skills, and loyalty. 'Their service in major conflicts – from the Brooke era, World Wars, to the Malayan Emergency and the Confrontation with Indonesia – proves their value not just in Sarawak, but to the entire nation,' he said. On Wednesday, federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it is both timely and necessary to explore the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as the state's internal security corps. The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general stressed, however, that such a move should not be misconstrued as an attempt to create a rival force to the Malaysian Army. Nanta made the remarks in a Facebook post, responding to an announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKS) 8th anniversary dinner on Tuesday.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari's Sandhurst initiative strategic move to strengthen Sarawak's defence, says Tiang
Michael Tiang KUCHING (July 5): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's Sandhurst initiative has been hailed as a strategic step toward enhancing Sarawak's human capital in the areas of security and defence. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said this initiative is forward-looking, timely and crucial with Sarawak seeing to strengthen its capacity and capability in security particularly in border protection and marine defence within the South China Sea. 'I fully support the recent statement by Premier of Sarawak that Sarawak is prepared to send our youths to undergo officer training at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, as part of our broader human capital development strategy. 'The professional and world-class military training at Sandhurst will undoubtedly equip Sarawakian youths with the discipline, leadership and strategic thinking essential for modern defence roles,' he said in a statement today. He also commended and supported Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi's suggestion to explore the revival of the historic Sarawak Rangers. Tiang opined that the legacy and spirit of the Sarawak Rangers should be reawakened as a proud symbol of the state's local heritage in national defence. 'Their revival, in tandem with the Sandhurst initiative, can offer our youth a deeper sense of purpose and belonging in serving the state and nation,' he said. Tiang added that the state government should consider extending these scholarship opportunities to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). Historically, the Chinese community has been under-represented in uniformed services such as the police and military, often due to cultural perceptions or limited pathways, he regretted. Given this, he believed that the offer of such scholarships will definitely attract Chinese youths to choose to be part of Sarawak's security and defence forces. 'By opening up these opportunities, we will encourage a new generation of Sarawakians, regardless of ethnic background or educational stream, to contribute to our state's security and resilience. 'It is also a powerful way to promote inclusivity and shared responsibility in safeguarding Sarawak's future,' said Tiang. He said Sarawak must continue to lead by example in shaping a society that values service, unity and excellence, adding that this initiative is a bold step in that direction.
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Glory should be our next destination': Snowdan supports Sandhurst plan, proposed revival of Sarawak Rangers
Snowdan says the legacy of bravery once exemplified by the Sarawak Rangers in the 19th century still lives on, especially among surviving members and their descendants. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 4): The proposal to revive the historic Sarawak Rangers and offer scholarships for Sarawakian youths to study at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom has gained strong support from State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan. The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief said the legacy of bravery once exemplified by the Sarawak Rangers in the 19th century still lives on, especially among surviving members and their descendants. 'While the idea is still taking shape in our minds and discussions, it is only right that it be revived sooner rather than later,' he said in a statement responding to a recent call by Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who proposed reviving the Sarawak Rangers as a dedicated security corps to bolster protection in inland and border regions. Snowdan emphasised that the proposed corps would not compete with the Malaysian Armed Forces, but rather serve as a complementary force. 'I also agree with his (Nanta) view that this initiative would strengthen, not compete with, our existing military forces,' he said. He also welcomed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's announcement that the state is exploring the possibility of offering scholarships for Sarawakian youth to pursue military training at Sandhurst. Calling the initiative both 'realistic and within reach', Snowdan said it would significantly strengthen Sarawak's long-term security capacity across multiple domains. 'I strongly support this practical proposal, especially considering our vast physical landscape and the need for security in areas such as border protection, assets, the cyber realm, and the safety of our scattered rural populations,' he said. Snowdan noted that the aim is not just military preparedness, but also cultivating leadership and professional knowledge applicable to enforcement and national security. 'We want to equip our youth with knowledge not just in military and police theory but also in leadership and areas such as commercial crime, surveillance, and tackling global security threats,' he said. He added that Sarawak already has a solid institutional base, citing the Sarawak Coast Guard and the Unit for Other Religions and Security (UPKS) as examples of the state's proactive approach to internal security. 'Now we should focus on developing our personnel and leadership. Within our diverse population, we are not short of talents. 'Glory should be our next destination ― and Sandhurst is the journey.' lead Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sarawak Rangers Snowdan Lawan
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Nanta backs Premier's Sandhurst initiative, explore revival of Sarawak Rangers
Describing the initiative as a commendable step, Nanta said it provides valuable opportunities for Sarawakian students, especially those aspiring to serve in security and defence roles. KUCHING (July 2): It is timely and necessary to explore the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as the state's own internal security corps, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He stressed, however, that such a move should not be misunderstood as an attempt to create a rival to the Malaysian Army. 'It is purely to complement the national security forces especially to ensure internal security of Sarawak is best looked after,' he said in a Facebook post today, responding to an announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on during the Sarawak Security and Enforcement (UPKS) 8th anniversary dinner on Tuesday. Abang Johari had said the Sarawak government plans to offer scholarships for Sarawakians interested in security careers to pursue studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom to cultivate a pool of talent and expertise that can serve in various agencies, including the police, military, and UPKS. Describing the initiative as a commendable step, Nanta said it provides valuable opportunities for Sarawakian students, especially those aspiring to serve in security and defence roles. Apart from that, it would also enrich and prepare them to be well qualified leaders of the future. Students at the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. – AFP 'Students at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst do not just learn military theories and strategies, but also on how to become well qualified leaders duly inculcated with cultures of high discipline, integrity, accountability and all the good virtues of leadership. 'Therefore it is timely and appropriate for such a move. Once again, the Premier has come up with a brilliant idea – an idea that definitely can enable Sarawak to become a truly developed and a progressive state where the business of running the government is well grounded based on universal virtues of 'what is right, is right and, what is wrong, is wrong'. 'Meaning, (the) governance will be proper, upholding the basic principles of fairness, merits, conscience, inclusive, irrespective of colour, creed, race or religion,' he said.
