Arau: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, recently granted an audience to the deputy army chief, Lieutenant General Datuk Mohamad Suria Mohamad Saad, at the Balai Mengadap Hijau, Istana Arau. The meeting was also attended by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the audience was a reflection of the close relationship between the Perlis Royal Institution and the army, with an emphasis on enhancing cooperation in security and defense. This collaboration is particularly significant given Perlis' strategic position as a state bordering the northern part of the country.

In a statement, Istana Arau emphasized the importance of strong cooperation between Perlis and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to safeguard the security and sovereignty of the state and country. The statement noted that this relationship is fundamental to enhancing preparedness and cooperation in addressing any security challenges that could impact national peace and stability.

The palace highlighted that Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin serves as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Ranger Regiment and the Royal Military Police Corps, while Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra is the Commander of the 504 Territorial Army Regiment. This ongoing commitment between the Perlis Royal Institution and the MAF is seen as a demonstration of unity in defending the country's sovereignty and ensuring that Perlis remains peaceful and secure.

His Royal Highness, an alumnus of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England, shared his experiences as an army officer in the Reconnaissance Corps during significant historical events such as the communist threat, the confrontation with Indonesia, and the May 13, 1969 Incident, further underscoring the importance of military and royal cooperation.