When Our Numero Uno Soldier Speaks

Some may dismiss it as just another government official making a statement in response to the current political situation. But when the Panglima Angkatan Tentera or Armed Forces Chief talks, even if it was a mere whisper, you listen. And listen carefully.

Yesterday, our number one military officer, General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal called on the government to take stern action on anyone who raises racial issues as it is a serious matter which can threaten the security of the nation.

"Racial issues should not be raised as they are a threat to national security," he said, in light of the many polemics recently in relation to racial issues.

It wasn't just a call. It was a warning. And it applies to all, regardless of your political alignment. Whether you are UMNO, MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PPP, PKR, PAS or DAP. It doesn't matter whether you are Malay, Chinese, Indians, Punjabi or Chindian.

Just because many Malaysians believe that the country is drastically changing after the March 8 General Election does not mean that our security forces - both the police and armed forces are taking the situation lying down. No way. Just because some bloggers think they are God now because people read the rubbish they write in cyberspace does not mean that the country's administrative and security protocols which have been in place for the past few decades have been jeorpadised or weakened. Dream on.

Those of you who are fond of criticising our men in uniform lately better think again. The Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces already have in place their standard operating procedures to ensure public order and national security remain intact. Don't even think for a minute that they have become lackadaisical. They are pretty much alert. I know because I have close friends in the police, Army, Navy, Air Force and even the newly formed MMEA.

Just because the HINDRAF demonstrators got away relatively scot-free is not an indication that our security forces have gone soft. The Army could have deployed their tanks and armoured cars to crush the demonstrators if they wanted to. Let's recap history which took place not so long ago, in 1989 to be exact. Remember the Tiananmen Square protests? The Chinese government simply deployed hundreds of People's Liberation Army tanks and armoured personnel carrier to suppress and crush the protestors. The two-month long series of protests by intellectuals, activists and students which began in mid April was ended in less than a day using the might of the military. And guess what, the same Chinese government is still in power, the same people who organised the recently concluded 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. How about that?

Morale of the story - DO NOT underestimate the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Our soldiers have an awesome reputation globally and this is recognised even by their counterparts in the United States and United Kingdom.

These boys have sacrificed a lot to ensure that we continue to enjoy a peaceful life in Malaysia. While they are patrolling our borders in the middle of the night, most of us are tucked comfortably in bed, snoring like nobody's business. And why can we snore like nobody's business? Because a soldier on duty that night said "Sleep tight my fellow countrymen. The only possible threat to you tonight are mosquitos. Leave the rest to me. Nothing else will bother you. Not on my watch...."