Malaysia held its 2026 National Warriors' Day Parade on July 31 at Dataran Pahlawan Negara in Putrajaya, paying tribute to security forces personnel who served during the Emergency and Confrontation periods [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The parade was held under the theme "Mengenang Jasa, Mengukuh Pertahanan" (Honouring Service, Strengthening Defence) and organised by the Malaysian Army to honor serving members, veterans, and families of those who died or were killed in the line of duty [2, 3, 4, 5].
A highlight of the event was a pantomime titled "Darah Pahlawan Ulu Legong" (The Blood of the Ulu Legong Warriors), which depicted the sacrifice of seven soldiers killed in a communist terrorist ambush on October 29, 1981, in Ulu Legong, Baling, Kedah [1, 2, 3, 5]. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the performance was "truly compelling, powerful, and heart-wrenching" and stressed that the soldiers "did not merely fight; they made the ultimate sacrifice" [2, 3].
Prime Minister Anwar also urged the younger generation to appreciate the sacrifices made by the Malaysian Armed Forces and security personnel for the nation's freedom, independence, peace, and prosperity. He stated, "The current generation must never forget that this country enjoys freedom, independence, peace, and prosperity because of the service and sacrifices of our defence forces." He met and expressed his appreciation to Private Md Said Adam, a survivor of the Ulu Legong ambush, Lt Col Hamzah Othman, commanding officer of the 22nd Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (22 RAMD), and next of kin of those involved [1, 2, 3, 5].
Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman emphasized the importance of remembering national heroes to inspire future generations. He remarked, "Today is a manifestation of our appreciation for all national heroes and MAF members who have sacrificed so much to secure and preserve our independence" [4, 5].
Prime Minister Anwar congratulated the Chief of Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence for holding the event, which he said successfully reminded the present generation of the true meaning of independence and the sacrifices needed to defend it [5].
