Armed Forces 80th anniversary parade highlights Rapid Response Team
Members of the Malaysian Army marching in a parade during the Armed Forces 80th Anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 21 September 2013. - EPA
KUALA LUMPUR: A tactical demonstration featuring the Armed Forces' combined Rapid Response Team was the highlight of the Armed Forces 80th anniversary parade.
Explosions and automatic gunfire wowed the audience and impressed even army veterans who were invited to watch the show.
The inaugural parade was held in conjunction with Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on Sept 16.
The parade also saw a team of 25 skydivers steer their parachutes onto Dataran Merdeka, an aerial display by Air Force fighter jets as well as a display of military equipment rarely seen by the public.
The Air Force, Army and Navy also displayed other equipment and skills at tents set up on the field. The display will be open until tomorrow.
The parade started at 8am with the arrival of VIPs on armoured vehicles.
The Air Force, Army and Navy chiefs as well as the Armed Forces chief arrived first, riding on Ferret fighting vehicles.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri arrived next in a Condor armoured vehicle.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived last, together with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein aboard the new AV-8 armoured vehicle.
At a press conference later, Hishammuddin said the parade was held on such a scale as a show to strength.
"We have never showcased our assets before. After our security and sovereignty was threatened, we want the people to be confident in our abilities," he said.
