KUALA LUMPUR: The defence ministry has stopped awarding honorary ranks and donning of military uniforms on politicians and celebrities, minister Mohamad Sabu said today.
Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, said the decision to halt such practices had received the consent of the Malay Rulers who hold ceremonial positions in various branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
“They (the Malay Rulers) welcome the move because the awards can be abused by irresponsible people.
“Only those who have undergone military training, such as in the Territorial Army, can wear uniforms,” he told a press conference at his office in Jalan Padang Tembak here.
Mohamad said the practice was discontinued to honour the services and sacrifices of soldiers who have put in a lot of hard work and also to prevent the devaluing of the ranks.