KUALA LUMPUR: The 23rd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (RMR) was awarded the regimental colours on Wednesday (Oct 4) by Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.

The ceremony, held at Camp Perdana Sungai Besi here, was in recognition of the services and sacrifices of the battalion in defending the country’s sovereignty and peace.

The Sultan was accompanied by the RMR Colonel-in-Chief, the Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin.

Also in attendance were the Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman and the Army Commander General Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.

At the event, Sultan Sallehuddin also inspected a guard of honour mounted by 23 officers and 386 members from other ranks from the 23rd Battalion RAMD led by Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Azroi Ariffin Shah.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Sultan Sallehuddin said the award of the royal colours, which is the highest honour, was to appreciate the service and loyalty manifested by the battalion, to the King and the country.

“I believe that this new award will be the pulse for all members of the battalion to continue to give their loyalty and service for the country,” he said.

He also called on members of the battalion to always enhance their preparedness and combat capability to defend the sovereignty of the country.

“Remember, you are all part of the pulse in the drive for excellence and determination of the people to become a successful nation in continuing to enjoy the country’s independence,” he added.