Those who insult armed forces are national enemy, says defence minister

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu has described those who insult the armed forces as “national enemies.”

“To me, anyone who insults the security forces is not good, and has become an enemy of the nation and of the people, that is what’s important,” he said during a press conference at the Defence Ministry in Kuala Lumpur today.

Mohamad was asked to respond to a statement made by Gamuda Bhd founder Koon Yew Yin, who was criticised over a blog posting deemed insulting to the armed forces.

The tycoon had said that armed forces personnel do nothing "except eating and sleeping." He claimed most have never fired a shot outside "target practice" and suggested they be deployed to work in Felda plantations instead.

Koon has since apologised for the wording of his posting, which he said was meant as a suggestion of how to reduce the size of the civil service.

Mohamad said the issue is not about forgiveness, and that he would leave it to the police to investigate.

"There is no issue of forgiveness, there is no word of sorry. However, we leave it to the police for further action," he said.

[More to follow] - Mkini