KUALA LUMPUR – The National Patriot Association (Patriot) has named Lt Col Datuk Zarazilah Mohamed Ali as its new president, replacing the outgoing Brigadier-General Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji.
Following its seventh annual general meeting recently, the leadership transition came after Arshad served three terms, or six years, as Patriot president – the maximum number of terms allowed under the association’s constitution, the association said in a press release.
“Truth, courage, country will be the driving force of Patriot as it continues to promote, uphold and strengthen the spirit of patriotism towards defending the country, monarchy and citizens,” Zarazilah said in his maiden speech as president.
“Without fear or favour, the very precedents set by our founding president Brigadier-General Datuk Arshad, I shall endeavour together with the newly elected team, and ensure that politicians and policymakers remain receptive to Patriot’s people-centric nation-building thrust for the onward progress, peace and harmony of our nation.”
Formed on May 22, 2017, Patriot serves as an non-governmental organisation consisting of military and police veterans.
Zarazilah said that Patriot would remain significant by advocating purpose-built ideas, including the declaration of a national Patriotism Day and the institutionalising of patriotism for the country.
Meanwhile, along with the new president appointment, new officers bearers were also elected with deputy president Datuk Zulkifi Mohamed, vice presidents Kung Boon Chin, Insp Chan Kuan San, and J.D. Lovrenciear.
Other newly-appointed office bearers include honorary secretary Sarasaidy N. Ayadurai, assistant honorary secretary Abd Rahman Teoh and honorary treasurer Peter C.C. Yeow.
Additionally, Kamarulzaman B Haji Maarof, Hardial Singh Mastan Singh, Noor Mohamed Abdullah and Kuppusamy Rengasamy were names included in the committee.
The association will hold a press conference to address the leadership transition soon. – November 20, 2023