Premier: No plans to reinstate Sarawak Rangers

Abang Johari (back row, centre) flanked by Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (on his right) and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan in a group photo with children dressed in traditional costumes during the Ibu Pertiwi Flag Waving Ceremony held at Ibu Pertiwi Square, Kuching on July 28, 2024. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)

By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop

KUCHING, July 28: There is no need for Sarawak to revive the Sarawak Rangers, considering that matters pertaining to defence are under the purview of the Federal government.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak already has the existing Askar Wataniah (Territorial Army Regiment)—military reserve force of the Malaysian Army, and Sarawak Coast Guard to protect the State’s territorial waters and its marine resources.

“This means there is no need for Sarawak Rangers because matters related to defence are under the Federal government,” he told a press conference at the English Tea House here today after officiating the Ibu Pertiwi Flag Waving Ceremony at Ibu Pertiwi Square earlier.

Founded in 1862, the Sarawak Rangers were highly skilled in jungle warfare and general policing duties.

It was disbanded for a few years until 1932, only to be reformed as the Sarawak Constabulary and mobilised for the Second World War, in which they attempted to defend Sarawak from the Japanese invasion in 1942 at the start of the Pacific War.

Apart from Sarawak Rangers, Sarawak used to have Sarawak Border Scouts—a task force comprised of ordinary village folk and farmers who volunteered to fight alongside the Commonwealth forces to protect the Sarawak-Kalimantan border during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation or Borneo confrontation from 1963 to 1966.

“Today, we already have a special veteran army squad headed by Lt-General (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw and the Wataniah army.

“We also have Sarawak Coast Guard to protect our territorial waters. No other Malaysian states have this Coast Guard task force.

“This means we are only helping the Federal government in terms of security matters,” Abang Johari added. — DayakDaily