MORE than 39,000 Malaysian Army officers and personnel, as well as their spouses, will cast their ballots as early voters in the upcoming polls in six states on August 8.

Army chief General Mohammad Ab Rahman said of that number, more than 29,000 people are military officers and personnel, while more than 9,000 are spouses.

“My advice is to choose a candidate who is seen to be able to govern a state well. Choose well.

“We do not force the army to vote for a particular candidate,” he told reporters, after the 2023 army shooting skills test at Terendak Camp Shooting Range in Malacca today.

The Raja Muda of Selangor Captain Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also took part in the test. Also participating was army deputy chief Lt Gen Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan.

Mohammad said the army is always ready to implement ‘Op Neraca’ to ensure the safety of the people during the polls in Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor.

He said the army also collaborated with the police to identify hot spots in the six states which could threaten public order, and stricter monitoring would be carried out at these locations.

Earlier, commenting on the event, he said that as many as 715 officers and personnel participated in the test, which has been held since July 21.

He said the event is a biennial shooting competition, which aims to evaluate the ability and skill level of army personnel in the aspect of handling weapons, individually and in groups.

“Indirectly, this test has demonstrated the credibility of army personnel who are always ready and committed to carry out the main task of ensuring the security and sovereignty of the country,” he said. – Bernama, July 30, 2023.