Rela transformation plan to be extended to other agencies

(Bernama) -The Home Ministry will extend the transformation plan for Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia (Rela) or People’s Volunteer Corps to its other agencies.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, said this was to ensure that the other agencies, such as the Civil Defence Department and the National Anti-Drug Agency, would enjoy notable improvement like Rela.
 
It is hoped that the improvement would boost the spirit of volunteerism among the young people in a bid to help transform the country into a fully-developed nation, he told reporters after opening the Chinese New Year celebration at SJK(C) Paloh, near here today.
 
Meanwhile, when commenting on the improvement on Rela, including the drafting of a new Rela Act as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday, Hishammuddin said it was aimed at rejuvenating Rela to face new threats and challenges.
 
“The roles of Rela in the future depend on its current roles and direction” he said.
 
In another development, Hishammuddin, who is also Umno Vice-President, said he would like to know the stand taken by the opposition pact after the opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, made a statement on his commitment to uphold Israel’s security.
 
Anwar was reported to have made the statement during an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
 
“When abroad, he (Anwar) will make some statements, but on his home ground, he will say something totally different from that statements. So, I would like to know what the official stand taken by the PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat), DAP and Pas on this issue,” he added.