Agong advises Armed Forces personnel to catalyse on their success

"Maintain the integrity of the organisation, preserve unity and raise patriotism to make the MAF a sound organisation in ensuring national security and the people's well-being, so as to be respected by friends and feared by foes," he said.

Tuanku Abdul Halim spoke at the Parade of Thanks for His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIV at the Army Square at the Sungai Besi Camp here.

The ceremony was held as an MAF appreciation for Tuanku Abdul Halim, who is the Supreme Commander of the MAF, and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah on the completion of the reign of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIV on Dec 12 this year.

Tuanku Abdul Halim expressed his appreciation for the undivided support and loyalty extended by MAF personnel since his assumption of the post of Supreme Commander of the MAF in 2011.

Tuanku Abdul Halim congratulated the MAF for having successfully secured the country's borders, saying this showed that the MAF was highly capable of protecting the country's sovereignty.

An evidence of this was the MAF success in foiling the militant intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah, in March 2013 under 'Operasi Daulat', he said.

His Majesty also said that the participation of 19 MAF officers and 751 personnel in seven countries as observers, staff officers, peacekeepers and humanitarian assistance teams demonstrated that the MAF capability had earned the trust of the United Nations.

"News of this success can enhance public confidence in the ability of the MAF in safeguarding the country's borders and in regional missions," he said.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also congratulated the MAF for being a winner of the Brandlaureate Transformational Brand Award 2015-2016 of the Asia Pacific Brand Foundation, involving 60 countries.

The award recognised MAF as an organisation that had succeeded in its transformation efforts by maintaining its own identity in facing the ever-changing challenges.

Tuanku Abdul Halim will complete his reign as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 12. His Majesty will be succeeded by the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V.