Silat groups can act as second line of defence

PEKAN, Sat. - Silat groups which boast a membership of four million can act as the second line of defence for the country, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

Najib said as the Defence Minister, he acknowledged the role of silat practitioners and hoped they could lend their hand, especially in warding off enemies when needed.

"Apart from acknowledging silat as a Malay heritage, we also believe that those practising this type of martial art can help us defend the country," he said when opening a Silat Lincah gathering here.

Also present were Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia (PSSLM) chairman Datuk Omardin Mauju and New Straits Times Press deputy group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun.

Najib said silat practitioners could assume this role as they were known for their loyalty to leaders and were well-disciplined.

"We need modern technology in our defence system but it will not be effective without people who have the fighting spirit and bravery," he said.

He said silat practitioners, including the 800,000 members of the PSSLM, were also taught to adopt good values in their life.

Najib also urged the silat practitioners to acquire knowledge and be open- minded to face the challenges ahead.

He also hoped that silat leaders would recruit more young members as this could deter them from getting involved in immoral activities.

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Najib: Silat exponents are second line of defence

PEKAN, March 26 (Bernama) - Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak described members of silat organisations as the country's asset which formed the second line of defence.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the discipline, courage, loyalty and spirit they acquired would be a strength in facing any outside threat.

"In the efforts to develop the strength of the people and the nation, we certainly need individuals who always have the sense of loyalty as found among members of the silat organisations," said Najib, who is also the Defence Minister.

"If all the more than 800,000 silat lincah exponents in this country possess such qualities, I am convinced no outside parties will ever dare to trigger chaos in our country," he said at a gathering of 500 members of the Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia here today.

Najib said the government always supported the activities and efforts to expand silat organisations in view of their positive contributions to the people and the country.

He advised the members to also expand the scope of their knowledge to cover other fields, including science and technology, because this would give them extra strength.

Najib was presented with a sash and attire as the Ulul Amri (leader) III of the association by its Chairman Datuk Omardin Mauju.

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