IN “More non-Malays urged to join navy” (News Without Borders, Aug 19), Naval Human Resources Assistant Chief of Staff Datuk Abdul Rahman Abd Karim suggested that retired naval personnel continue contributing to the navy.
Consider this my contribution as a former naval commander in getting more non-Malays to join the navy.
First, stop propagating the armed services as a political Malay entity with polemics from politicians and serving military personnel.
Second, stop giving a platform to people like Ridhuan Tee Abdullah whose divisive speech and books were launched at the Ministry of Defence and endorsed by the minister.
Third, carry out roadshows in urban and rural areas with large non-Malay demographics highlighting the contributions of non-Malays in the various armed services.
Finally, make it official policy that non-Malay personnel are free to practise their religion without interference from the chain of command and publicise this policy. Hopefully, the top brass of the navy will consider my suggestions.
S. Thayaparan
Commander (Rtd)
Royal Malaysian Navy
Consider this my contribution as a former naval commander in getting more non-Malays to join the navy.
First, stop propagating the armed services as a political Malay entity with polemics from politicians and serving military personnel.
Second, stop giving a platform to people like Ridhuan Tee Abdullah whose divisive speech and books were launched at the Ministry of Defence and endorsed by the minister.
Third, carry out roadshows in urban and rural areas with large non-Malay demographics highlighting the contributions of non-Malays in the various armed services.
Finally, make it official policy that non-Malay personnel are free to practise their religion without interference from the chain of command and publicise this policy. Hopefully, the top brass of the navy will consider my suggestions.
S. Thayaparan
Commander (Rtd)
Royal Malaysian Navy