He said these were isolated incidents which should not undermine the people’s respect and trust for the armed forces.

However, he advised military personnel to steer clear of unlawful actions to avoid tarnishing the image of the armed forces.

“I hope no one abuses the rank or position entrusted to them to commit unlawful acts.

“I emphasise that this case does not represent the armed forces. The armed forces remain strong, respected and trusted by the people to defend the nation’s sovereignty,” he said when launching the ministry’s Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign here.

It was previously reported that three serving and two former officers were among 10 people arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to assist in investigations into a smuggling syndicate in southern Peninsular Malaysia.

Khaled also said the spirit of nationhood must be instilled in every citizen, especially among armed forces personnel and the defence community.

He said the armed forces were a symbol not only of physical defence but also of sovereignty, integrity and the nation’s independence.

“When we talk about independence, we immediately picture the warriors who defended the country. Every parade at Dataran Merdeka and on Warriors’ Day is a manifestation of the armed forces’ image, and we must uphold this dignified image,” he said.