The Role of Askar Wataniah-Reserve Officer Training Unit as an Actor of National Defence

• Main Authors: Shariffuddin, Mohd Dino Khairri, Ahmad Apandi, Laila Suriya, Ahmad, Mohamad Zaki, Ayub, Zainal Amin
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: K Law (General)
• Online Access: https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/31137/1/ICIS%202020%2040-49.pdf; https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/31137/; http://sois.uum.edu.my/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

Since its independence in 1957, Malaysia has implemented total defence (HANRUH) in its defence policy. The notion of HANRUH is not only exercised by the military group, but also by interested civilians, who volunteer to join the Army Reserve Forces (Askar Wataniah). Askar Wataniah enables civilians to exercise patriotism and learn basic military knowledge and skills. Should a civilian show keen interest to enhance his or her military knowledge and skills, he or she could pursue advanced programme such as Permanent Officer course, Small Weapon course, Matching course, Support Weapon Course, Assistant Platoon Commander Course, Tactical Course, Young Officer Course, Company Weapon Course and Senior Officer Course. Even the public universities in Malaysia offer civilian-involvement military program through the Reserve Officer Training Unit (ROTU). The program is an understanding agreement between Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defense. It is the interest of this article to examine the role of the Askar Wataniah-ROTU in defending national security