Retired Military Veterans To Hold Demo Next Month

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A group of retired military veterans have announced that they would take to the streets in early June, to raise welfare issues faced by retired Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel.
Calling themselves Suara Veteran, the group’s spokesperson, Commander (B) Abdul Rahman Husain, said thousands of MAF veterans from across the country were expected to take part to express their dissatisfaction.
He said they had tried to negotiate with the authorities but received less encouraging feedback.
“We have been discussing this matter for eight years now. We met with the former defence minister who is now our prime minister in August last year.
"He said this problem will be looked into but until now there has been no decision made.
"We have no choice but to take this matter to the next step," he said at a press conference today, held in a mosque in Kuala Lumpur.
Rally on June 6
The Veteran Bangkit (veterans rise) rally has been planned for June 6. Its location will be announced soon.
Among the group’s demands is a pension for veterans who retire early.
“If we look at civil servants in other sectors, they only work eight hours a day and are eligible to receive a pension after 10 years.
“We look at our soldiers. They have worked hard 24 hours a day for 10 years, giving up their youth to maintain peace in this country, but are unable to get a pension. Is this fair?” he questioned.
Suara Veteran members want justiceMilitary personnel must serve for 21 years to qualify for monthly pension payments.
Those who choose to retire early are exempted from this benefit.
Meanwhile, the group also demanded a board of pardons for the retired military personnel who were retrenched for disciplinary problems.
“Some offenders were dismissed for stealing raw sugar and, for that reason alone, they do not get military retiree benefits until the end of their lives,” said another Suara Veteran leader, Major (B) Mior Rosli Mior Rosdi.
Mior Rosli - a former officer of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) - said those convicted of non-serious offences should not be given heavy sentences.
"If we look at politicians, for example, some of them are found guilty by the court but after two years, can return to contest in the political arena.
"Where is the justice for veterans like us?" he asked. - Mkini

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