Kuching: The Sarawak government has announced its readiness to provide scholarships to Sarawakians interested in pursuing careers in security by furthering their studies at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. This initiative is aimed at developing the talents of young Sarawakians to meet the state’s security needs, as stated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan Sri Abang Johari emphasized that this move is not an attempt to establish a separate army but rather a talent development strategy. He highlighted the importance of discipline and the acquisition of new security theories for the youth, which could enable them to work with the police, the army, or the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).

During the Sarawak Command Net (SCNET) launching ceremony, held in conjunction with the Eighth Anniversary Celebration of UKPS, the Premier clarified that the establishment of UKPS is meant to complement rather than take over security powers from the federal government. He stressed the importance of coordination between federal security agencies and the state to ensure safety.

Tan Sri Abang Johari pointed out the challenges posed by Sarawak’s extensive coastal area, which requires more comprehensive monitoring than federal agencies alone can provide. The state’s numerous rivers, not under federal control, also necessitate local enforcement, such as through the Sarawak Coast Guard established in 2019.

The Premier expressed the state’s commitment to making Sarawak a peaceful and prosperous region, with the launch of SCNET marking the first step towards creating a more advanced security communication network. This initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard the sovereignty of Malaysia.