Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has asked all quarters not to ruin the good ties between the Royal Johor Military Force (ATSNJ) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).

The sultan said ATSNJ does not intend to be at the frontline of the country’s defence and the word ‘timbalan’ (deputy) in its name clearly indicated its role as the second line of defence.

“Therefore, I hope no quarters will try to ruin the good relations that have been formed between ATSNJ and ATM,” the ruler was quoted as saying by Bernama.

“ATSNJ members always train with the ATM, especially in the special movement group and I want more ATSNJ members be sent for military training, be it on land, sea or air,” he added.

The ruler, who is also the commander of ATSNJ which was formed in 1886, expressed hope that the force would continue to improve its ability to defend the rulers’ sovereignty as well as the country’s.

Sultan Ibrahim was speaking at ATNSJ’s flag exchange ceremony at Dataran Istana Besar.

Meanwhile, the ruler also suggested that the Johor Volunteer Forces (JVF) be revived to instil efficiency, discipline and volunteerism in civil servants.

The sultan said the JVF was intended to revive the spirit of volunteerism among Johoreans in defending the royal institution as well as the state’s unity and peace.

“The JVF membership will be open to all Johoreans regardless of race, based on qualification and criteria which will be determined soon,” he said.

JVF members will also undergo basic training with the ATSNJ and will help the government in the field of defence, especially in disasters and serving the community.

The late Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar started the JVF in 1905 to train Malay Johoreans to become civil service administrators as he was of the opinion that a civil servant with military training would be more disciplined and efficient.