The Minister of Defence, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this in his speech during a special meeting with the cadet officers who were commissioned this year.
He said that the Ministry was very proud of the dedication and commitment shown by all parties, especially USM which hosted the event. USM successfully organized this major event which was filled with pomp and pageantry and military tradition.
“We hope that they will continue to show this kind of commitment, in line with slogan for PALAPES, that is, ‘We Lead’,” he said in his meeting with the cadet officers.
The Raja Muda of Perlis, D.Y.T.M Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail officiated at the Royal Commissioning.
Also present was the Commander of the Armed Forces, Gen. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Azizan Arifin, the Commander of the Army, Gen. Datuk Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin, the Commander of the Naval Forces, Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Haji Jaafar, the Vice-Chancellors of the Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) and others.
Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid added that the government needed capable, dedicated and committed young officers to help create a generation of brilliant and talented future leaders.
He went on to say that he hoped the participation of students in Palapes did not stop at the university level but on the contrary, these students should take the opportunity to serve the country by joining the Reserve Forces after completing their studies.
“The ideas, commitment and dedication of these young officers are crucial in providing a positive leap towards the growth and development of the Reserve Force of the Malaysian Armed Forces,” he explained.
This year, a huge gathering of more than 1000 Palapes cadet officers from all the Public Institutions of Higher Learning received their commission. Among the IPTAs were Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and others.
