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. The ceremony included a symbolic Engine Order Telegraph demonstration, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Tribute to a National Hero
In attendance were notable figures including Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain, and Lumut Naval Shipyard CEO Ir Azhar Jumaat. Reading a speech from Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Adly Zahari emphasized that naming the vessel after Sharif Mashor serves as a fitting tribute to his distinguished character and contributions to the nation.
Sharif Mashor, originally the ruler of Sarikei, is celebrated for his strong patriotic spirit and his efforts to resist the Brooke administration. His legacy is deeply rooted in Sarawak’s history, and the naming of the ship reflects not only his valor but also the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty. Adly noted that the ship symbolizes the capabilities of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the dedication of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Ship Construction and Future Plans
The construction of the Littoral Combat Ship began with the keel-laying ceremony on November 29, 2017. Following its technical launch on January 31, the ship underwent a series of tests and system refinements. The first ship in this class, named ‘Maharaja Lela,’ successfully completed its maiden sea test on January 28, 2026. The second ship, ‘Raja Muda Nala,’ was launched on July 3, 2025, with its naming officiated by Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
This latest addition to the Royal Malaysian Navy not only honors a historical figure but also represents the ongoing modernization and enhancement of Malaysia’s naval capabilities. The commitment to building advanced vessels underscores the nation’s focus on maritime security and defense readiness.
