KUALA LUMPUR  – The Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association (Macva) has today urged more Chinese youths to consider joining the Armed Forces, supporting a recent call by the Chief of Defence Forces for greater non-Bumiputera participation in national defence.

Macva voiced concern over the low number of the community’s representation, noting that only eight out of 509 newly commissioned officer cadets are of Chinese descent.

“A military career is no easy path, but it builds character, instils discipline, develops leadership, and most importantly, provides young people with a chance to directly participate in nation-building and take on the noble responsibility of protecting the people,” said its president, Lieutenant-Colonel (Rtd) Wong Ah Jit.

He said Chinese Malaysians have historically played a role in defending the country, and the current generation should continue this legacy of service and sacrifice.

“Joining the military does not mean giving up on one’s dreams. It means choosing a different path — one filled with broader horizons and greater challenges,” he added.

He pointed out that military personnel serve in diverse roles — from operations in the jungles of Sabah to patrolling the Malacca Strait, and on international peacekeeping missions — while being part of a united Malaysian society.

Macva called on Chinese families and community organisations to support and encourage their youths to explore military careers.