KUALA LUMPUR – Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has welcomed a proposal to revive the Sarawak Rangers as a state-level internal security unit, calling it a timely and appropriate initiative.
He clarified, however, that the plan should not be seen as an attempt to undermine or compete with national defence institutions, according to the Borneo Post.
“It is purely to complement the national security forces, especially to ensure internal security of Sarawak is best looked after,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Nanta was responding to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s remarks during the 8th anniversary dinner of the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKS) on Tuesday, where the Premier said the state was considering offering scholarships for Sarawakians to study at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
The initiative aims to nurture a future generation of Sarawakian talent in the fields of policing, defence, and enforcement.
Describing the move as praiseworthy, Nanta said it would open the door for young Sarawakians interested in serving in security-related fields while also developing strong leadership skills.
“Students at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst do not just learn military theories and strategies, but also on how to become well qualified leaders duly inculcated with cultures of high discipline, integrity, accountability and all the good virtues of leadership,” he said.
He added that the state government’s long-term vision is rooted in principles of good governance.
“Once again, the Premier has come up with a brilliant idea – an idea that definitely can enable Sarawak to become a truly developed and a progressive state where the business of running the government is well grounded based on universal virtues of ‘what is right, is right and, what is wrong, is wrong’.
“Meaning, (the) governance will be proper, upholding the basic principles of fairness, merits, conscience, inclusive, irrespective of colour, creed, race or religion,” he said. – July 2, 2025