PHOTO: Andre Olivero
KOTA SAMARAHAN: It was a historical moment for the Royal Ranger Regiment after the regiment officially changed its old flag to a new one after 55 years of its establishment which initiated in Sarawak.
The first of its kind ceremony was grace by Commander of the Eastern Field Command, Lieutenant-General Dato Mohd Zaki Mokhtar at parade ground of Muara Tuang Camp, here, last Wednesday.
The regiment’s old flag with a rifle green colour was changed to red, yellow and black which are similar to colours of the Sarawak flag.
“The Royal Ranger Regiment was initiated in Sarawak during the British colonial era and the first flag was also flown here. Hence, it is an honour for us to seen the flag colours changed into similar colours of the Sarawak flag.
“I am very proud and thankful to all who attend this historical event here including the veterans,” Zaki said during an interview after officiating at the raising of the new flag ceremony.
Meanwhile, when asked on preparation for the upcoming 14th General Election, Zaki said that they have already made preparation especially on the registration of early voters.
“We will also ensure that our personnel come out during the early polling in full force. That’s our responsibility and we will continue to update the list of voters from time to time.
“There are about 14,000 early voters but under the Defence Ministry (Mindef) comprising the veterans, Wataniah personnel, National Service Volunteer Brigade and Mindef Sabah and Sarawak staffs and their partners, we roughly have about 130,000 voters which is more than 60,000 in Sabah and more than 60,000 in Sarawak.
“We are prepared to face any circumstances during polling day and ready to assist other security departments especially the Malaysian Royal Police,” said Zaki.
Also present were First Malaysian Infantry Division Commander Major-General Datuk Stephen Mundaw and 405 Task Force Chief, Major-General Dato Zulkapri Rahamat.
