KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 – All PALAPES members must undergo the application and selection process like any other candidate from public or private universities to join the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

This was stated by Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, in a verbal response in Parliament.

“Those who aspire to join the MAF Regular Officer Service must undergo the 9-month Cadet Officer Basic Training at the service training centers,”

“Based on existing policy, PALAPES graduates do not have shortcuts to enter the Regular Service.”

He said this in response to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (Tumpat) who asked whether the government plans to provide privileges to PALAPES officers who have been commissioned.

The privileges he referred to were to absorb voluntary officers as regular soldiers without undergoing the Mandatory Training for 9 months.

Khaled added that the Ministry of Defence through the MAF always encourages youth involvement in defending the country by joining the defence service.