MEMBERS of the Malaysian armed forces both in service and those retired are the most loyal to the country.
And so, the fact that the representatives of 300,000 retired armed forces personnel took part in demonstration yesterday to bring to attention their long-standing woes certainly suggests that something is not right with the Government or the country.
The representatives of these B40 group asked the Government to consider their demand for pension for those retired from the services and the need for other welfare measures.
These are not new demands but have been raised with the earlier Governments in the past but were not seriously addressed to this day.
While billions are drained by corruption and other nefarious financial misdeeds, why should the retired armed forces be subjected to this inhumanity, neglect or oversight?
They have made huge sacrifices in the past under most difficult and trying circumstances and the country is safe and sound due to their vigilance and sacrifice.
While corrupt politicians are making tons of money by harping on race and religion, why should the armed forces veterans be made to suffer due to the irresponsibility of those in the Government?
There is no fairness nor justice for the retired armed forces members. Do they have to demonstrate to prove their point? What is Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein doing about this?
The priority should be on this matter and not on the procurement of naval assets or the commission to be earned by politicians in the guise of agents.
If Hishammuddin is worthy of holding such a post, he must address the sad and tragic plight of the retired and forlorn armed forces members.
Presently, they have nothing by way of decent and honourable living to suggest that they were once the proud members of the nation’s armed forces.
Today they are forgotten and isolated to lead miserable lives. – June 7, 2022
Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the state assemblyperson for Perai. He is also deputy chief minister II of Penang.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
