ADUN SPEAKS | Tragic plight of retired personnel of armed forces
The fact that the representatives of 300,000 retired armed forces personnel took part in a demonstration yesterday to bring to attention their long-standing woes suggests that something is not right with the government, or the country.
The representatives of these B40 groups asked the government to consider their demand for pensions for those retired from the services and the need for other welfare measures.
These are not new demands but have been raised before with the previous governments.
But unfortunately, they are not seriously addressed to this date.
For a segment of loyalists to demonstrate against the government means something is seriously wrong with the...
ADUN SPEAKS | Members of the armed forces both in service and those retired are the most loyal to the country.
The fact that the representatives of 300,000 retired armed forces personnel took part in a demonstration yesterday to bring to attention their long-standing woes suggests that something is not right with the government, or the country.
The representatives of these B40 groups asked the government to consider their demand for pensions for those retired from the services and the need for other welfare measures.
These are not new demands but have been raised before with the previous governments.
But unfortunately, they are not seriously addressed to this date.
For a segment of loyalists to demonstrate against the government means something is seriously wrong with the government of the day.
While billions are drained by corruption and other nefarious financial misdeeds, why should the retired armed forces personnel be subjected to this inhumanity or neglect or oversight?
They have made huge sacrifices in the past under the most difficult and trying circumstances.
The country is safe and sound due to their vigilance and sacrifice.
No fairness or justice
While corrupt politicians are making tons of money by harping on race and religion, why should the retired poor armed forces personnel be made to suffer due to the irresponsibility of those in the government?
There is no fairness or justice for the retired armed forces members.
Do they have to demonstrate to prove their point?
What is Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein doing about this?
The priority should not be 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.
P RAMASAMY is Perai assemblyperson and Penang deputy chief minister II.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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