KUALA PILAH: Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today lauded the appointment of Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin as National Security Council's (NSC) first director-general, saying the decision reflected the government's serious effort to protect the country.
"Zulkifeli has a wide range of experience and expertise which we believe will help assist the government in improving the security measures in the country.
"The safety of the country is our priority and we don't take it for granted. Threats from radical group such as Islamic State (IS) shouldn't be taken lightly," said the defence minister.
He said Zulkifeli's appointment also showed timeliness and the urgency needed to tighten and improve the country's security measures.
"The threats posed by radical group is now widely understood by everyone. The awareness has developed, not just in Malaysia, but also to other countries," he said, after officiating Umno Kuala Pilah division delegates' meeting at Dato Bahaman Hall here, today.
Also present were Kuala Pilah division chief Datuk Ismail Lasim, state Wanita Umno head Datuk Norhayati Omar and Datuk Seri Hassan Malek, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia.
In his opening speech, Hishammuddin, who is also Umno vice-president urged members to unite, despite the challenges faced by the party.
"We can't allow negative influences to get in the way. This will lead to political and economy uncertainty and if this happens, this will only benefit irresponsible people out there, who are waiting to ruin the country." he said.