Malaysia's Armed Forces Chief Honoured As Saluting Officer For Sri Lankan Military Academy

By M. Saraswathi NEW DELHI (India), Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Armed Forces chief Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin carved a personal history of sorts when he was given the honour as saluting officer for the Sri Lanka Military Academy comissioning parade on Sunday. This is the first time in the history of the Malaysian Armed Force that its chief has been given such an honour. The event involved 132 Sri Lankan officers and three officers from Sudan. "(The) Sri Lankan Armed Forces and (the) Malaysian Armed Forces share a close and cordial relationship. "The active engagements and close collaboration undertaken have created a strong sense of camaraderie. "I have no doubt that the gracious invitation to preside over your commissioning parade is a testimony of the special bond between both our armed forces which will take this friendship to greater heights," said Zulkifeli in his speech during the event in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday. He is in Sri Lanka for the South and Southeast Asian Nations (SASEAN) Defence Chiefs' Dialogue. His speech text was made available to Bernama. As for the new officer cadets, Zulkifeli said it was imperative that they continued to "learn, unlearn and re-learn" vital lessons which they would acquire throughout their military career. "Always remember that seeking knowledge is a never-ending process." He took the opportunity to congratulate all officer cadets on attaining the highly revered commission. He emphasised on military disciplines and the importance of upholding its values and traditions. "The honour bestowed upon you this morning is scared trust which the Sri Lanka Government and the people of this wonderful country have placed upon your shoulder to defend her sovereignty, uphold her integrity and protect her citizens," he added. --BERNAMA