Royal Malaysian Navy Honors Sarawak Hero with New Ship
The Royal Malaysian Navy celebrated the legacy of Sarawak hero Sharif Mashor by naming its third Littoral Combat Ship in his honor during a ceremony at the Lumut Naval Shipyard. The event, held on February 10, was officiated by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, the wife of the Sarawak Governor. This significant occasion included a symbolic demonstration of the Engine Order Telegraph, marking a proud moment for the Navy and the nation.
Tribute to a National Hero
During the ceremony, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari read a speech on behalf of Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, emphasizing that naming the vessel after Sharif Mashor is a fitting tribute to his distinguished character. Sharif Mashor, originally the ruler of Sarikei, is celebrated for his strong patriotic spirit and his efforts to resist the Brooke administration. Adly highlighted that this honor reflects the Navy’s capabilities and symbolizes the commitment of the Malaysian Armed Forces to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
The construction of the Littoral Combat Ship began with a keel-laying ceremony on November 29, 2017. The ship was technically launched on January 31, followed by rigorous testing and system refinements. The first ship in this class, named ‘Maharaja Lela,’ successfully completed its maiden sea-going test on January 28, 2026. The second ship, ‘Raja Muda Nala,’ was launched on July 3, 2025, with a naming ceremony officiated by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin. These developments underscore the Navy’s ongoing efforts to enhance its fleet and operational readiness.
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