KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces has warned that it will not take lightly any insults made against the Malay Rulers of the country.

Its chief Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said insults made against the country’s royalty was equivalent to insulting the military.

“Our country’s royalty is a sacred institution that played an important role in the military. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while other Sultans serve as captains-in-chief or colonels-in-chief in the Navy or Air Force.

“Every regiment and corps in the army is entrusted with the royal banners. Therefore, it is their duty to defend the Rulers. The banners are their symbols of loyalty to Malay Rulers. In whatever situation, all Armed Forces personnel will continue to defend the sacred and royal banners,” he said during the Armed Forces Academic Excellence Award Ceremony here yesterday.

“If there is an attempt to insult the Malay Rulers, we will see it as an element to weaken the Armed Forces. We will not once take these insults against Malay Rulers lightly.”

He was responding to questions on recent insults and criticism against Malay Rulers on the social media.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the ministry’s stand was clear as it was a duty to defend the country’s monarchy.

“The monarchy is one of Malaysia’s pillars, along with race and religion.

“It is our duty to defend our country’s royalty. If we do not take this responsibility seriously, there will be parties who will mock the religions, race, and the Rulers of all Malaysians,” he said.

-thestar