01/09/2025

MONDAY | SEP 1, 2025

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UK Royals congratulate King and Malaysians KUALA LUMPUR: King Charles III and Queen Camilla have extended a congratulatory message to His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and Malaysians nationwide on the occasion of the country’s 68th National Day. In a message released through the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, King Charles reaffirmed the “strong ties and special friendship” between the UK and Malaysia. He expressed confidence that the Commonwealth would continue to draw strength from its diversity and the connections it fosters, which he believed would be nurtured for the benefit of all citizens now and in the future. King Charles also welcomed continued cooperation between both governments in areas such as economic growth, security, innovation and education. Praising Malaysia’s global role, he said he admired the country’s natural beauty as one of the most biodiverse in the world, along with its efforts to preserve it for future generations. He also highlighted Malaysia’s role as an international advocate for inclusive and sustainable development, including its chairmanship of Asean this year. The royal couple concluded their message by extending their warmest good wishes to Sultan Ibrahim and the people for the year ahead. – Bernama

RMAF chief personally leads National Day air show

o Johor-born general pilots fighter jet in historic Putrajaya flypast

Muhamad Norazlan flew at the head of a formation

comprising 30 air assets from across Malaysia’s security and rescue services. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH /THESUN

PUTRAJAYA: The roar of jet engines shook the skies above Dataran Putrajaya yesterday as Jen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris made history by becoming the first Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief to personally lead a National Day air display. Piloting a Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jet, Muhamad Norazlan – who assumed office as the 21st RMAF chief marshal in June, flew at the head of a formation comprising 30 air assets from across Malaysia’s security and rescue services. The display featured RMAF fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters, alongside assets from the Armed Forces, police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Fire and

Rescue Department. As the formation thundered overhead, tens of thousands of spectators erupted in applause, many raising their phones to capture the breathtaking moment, a proud showcase of Malaysia’s military precision and professionalism. Muhamad Norazlan, an experienced pilot with flight hours in aircraft that include the Aermacchi MB339A, A-4PTM Skyhawk, MiG-29N/UB and the Su-30MKM, said the National Day display carries a deep meaning for him. “This is not just an ordinary display, it symbolises leadership. A leader’s role is not only to give orders but to set an example and be a role model for subordinates. “It also assures the public that

Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan” during the Federal Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the King’s official birthday. The award honoured his heroism in Teluk Batik, Perak, where he swam 40m through strong currents to rescue four passengers, including two children, after a boat carrying 15 capsized. The National Day celebration, themed “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni”, was attended by Sultan Ibrahim, Anwar, both deputy prime ministers, Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and foreign dignitaries. – Bernama them would continue to strengthen, enabling both to play a key role in safeguarding peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. Japanese Ambassador Noriyuki Shikata described Merdeka as a celebration of freedom, unity and Malaysia’s progress, pointing to its expanding public transport system as a symbol of development. He noted Japan’s role in supporting Malaysia’s transport growth over decades of cooperation, but said the real success belonged to the Malaysian people. – Bernama effort for the country.” Muhamad Norazlan added that he was honoured to have received the blessings of His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim before taking part in the display. Born in Kota Tinggi, Johor, he expressed pride in the flawless performance of his team, praising the dedication of every member – from aircrew to ground support – who ensured the success of the show.

every level of our personnel is capable of carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them,” he told Bernama. He said his decision to join the formation reflected the importance of leading from the front. “I believe my participation boosts morale and confidence among RMAF personnel, showing them that I am not merely observing from the main stage but giving my energy and

Foreign diplomats send greetings KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign diplomats in Malaysia have expressed

“Having seen countries torn by war, I’m deeply grateful to live in peace. I hope this peace lasts forever,” he said. Commenting on the principles of the Rukun Negara , Mohd Firdaus said values such as loyalty to the king and country, supremacy of the Federal Constitution, and courtesy and morality mirrored the military spirit, which is grounded in discipline and respect for law, particularly the Armed Forces Act 1972. His leadership at yesterday’s celebration followed national recognition earlier this year. On June 2, he received the “Bintang congratulatory messages to the people of Malaysia on the country’s 68th National Day, highlighting friendship and shared aspirations for peace and progress. Indonesian Ambassador Hermono extended warm greetings for both National Day and Malaysia Day, reaffirming the close bonds between the two neighbours. He said the occasions reflected Malaysia’s struggles for unity and nationhood, adding that ties between

Navy hero leads Rukun Negara pledge PUTRAJAYA: The roar of applause at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday carried a special pride as Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Lt-Commander Mohd Firdaus Arbaain, hailed for saving four lives during a boat tragedy in 2023, was chosen to lead the recitation of the Rukun Negara pledge at the National Day celebrations. watching nationwide. He also made history as the first RMN officer entrusted with the role. “As a father, I want to set the best example for my children so they can carry these memories for the rest of their lives,” he said. He also listened to past recordings and refined his delivery with guidance from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia students, which stirred memories of his own start in uniform 25 years ago. MASCOT CHEER ... Popular cartoon and animated characters also joined the National Day parade at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

“This performance is more than words. It symbolises the sacrifices of our security forces and the unity of Malaysians, while reminding us of the blessings of peace and prosperity we enjoy,” he said. The veteran officer is no stranger to conflict, having served in Timor-Leste in 2004, Somalia in 2008 and 2012, and Lebanon in 2010.

Mohd Firdaus stressed that the pledge was not simply ceremonial but also a responsibility to speak for all Malaysians in expressing loyalty and love for the country. In preparation for the role, the father of three reviewed the text, trained his intonation and even rehearsed with his children at home.

The executive officer of KD Sri Indera Sakti described the moment as a profound honour, particularly standing before His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and millions of Malaysians