Agong, Queen attend Warriors' Day celebration

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah graced the Warriors' Day 2016 celebration held at Dataran Pahlawan Negara, Presint 1 here today.

The celebration ceremony began with the procession of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Regimental flags from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, which comprised four officers and 103 personnel of various ranks.

This was followed by the playing of the national anthem, Negaraku, and accompanied by a 21-gun salute by the 41st Battery, Royal Artillery Regiment led by Major Mohd Asri Che Wil.

A total of 28 officers and 785 personnel of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), ex-servicemen's association and ex-policemen's association took part in the parade, led by Royal Malay Regiment 1st Battalion commanding officer Lt Col Mohd Radzi Othman.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein; Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

The ceremony then proceeded with the piping of the 'Last Post' while the Jalur Gemilang was lowered as a symbolic gesture to remember those who died defending the nation.

This was followed by the reciting of the poem 'Pahlawanku' by Col Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid.

A pantomime entitled 'Battle in East-Bara Road, Grik, Perak' which related the story of the brave Warrant Officer 1 Ielias Ibrahim, 60, and his friends who countered a communist attack in East-Coast Road on Aug 15, 1977 in their bid to defend the country.

The man, who sustained injury on one side of his eyes after being hit by thorns, had killed three communist terrorists.

The pantomime that touched the hearts of many among the audience was performed by members of the 4th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment.

At the ceremony, Ielias, who is also a 'Gagah Berani' Medal recipient, and his friend Lance Corporal Abdul Halim Hassan were given the honour to meet Tuanku Abdul Halim.

After that, the tune 'Rouse' was played while the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted to fire up the spirits of the military and police personnel to continue in defending the nation's sovereignty and peace.

Later, shouts of 'Daulat Tuanku' was made three times as a symbolic gesture of loyalty from the security forces and people to his majesty.

July 31 has been set as Warriors’ Day each year to commemorate the declaration of the end of the 12-year Emergency period in 1960.

Since 1968, both the ATM and PDRM have been taking turns in organising the Warriors' Day celebration. ATM is the organiser for this year.

The event was held for the first time at the Dataran Pahlawan Negara of the Federal Government Administrative Centre.