Those who insult armed forces are national enemies, says defence minister

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu has described those who insult the armed forces as “national enemies.”

"Lately we see because the country is at peace, some have forgotten the role of the Defence Ministry and the units under it.

“For us, anyone who insults the armed forces, they are the nation's enemies, no matter what race or quarter.

"In fact, anyone insulting the armed forces is disgusting and unacceptable,” he said in a speech while launching a national flag campaign at the Defence Ministry today.

His remarks come in the wake of a statement made by Gamuda Bhd founder Koon Yew Yin, who was criticised over a blog posting deemed insulting to the armed forces.

The tycoon had said that armed forces personnel do nothing "except eating and sleeping." He claimed most have never fired a shot outside "target practice" and suggested they be deployed to work in Felda plantations instead.

Koon has since apologised for the wording of his posting, which he said was meant as a suggestion on how to reduce the size of the civil service.

Commenting on this at a press conference later, Mohamad said the issue is not about forgiveness, and that he would leave it to the police to investigate.

"There is no issue of forgiveness, there is no word of sorry. However, we leave it to the police for further action," he said.

Meanwhile, the defence minister in his speech questioned if there was an element of racism in the attacks against Koon, as many were quiet when a former Sabah chief minister also criticised the armed forces.

This is believed to refer to ex-Sabah chief minister Harris Salleh, who was reported last month as suggesting the role of the armed forces should be reviewed so that billions spent on them can be used to heal the economy.

"When the former Sabah chief minister made a statement asking ex-soldiers to be made security guards, and for female soldiers to be maids or cleaners, the people did not get angry.

"The people got angry and defended the armed forces when a millionaire said they only eat and sleep, and should be Felda settlers.

"I see an element of racism at play. Why when a Muslim criticises the armed forces, the netizens keep silent but are enraged with this millionaire," he said.

Regardless of what is said of the armed forces, he said they would continue to serve the government of the day and defend the country's sovereignty.

"It is because this country's sovereignty is protected by the armed forces that traders can become millionaires, can move freely, earn a living and increase their earnings," he said.

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