Ex-servicemen were today advised to be wary of the opposition's sweet promises to avoid becoming their tools.

Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said ex-service should give their trust to PM Najib Razak who had 14 years of experience as defence minister, hence he understood their rights and needs.

"In fighting for their rights, ex-servicemen don't need to set up so many associations with various names, but to make do with the existing ones as their struggle and objectives are the same."

Ahmad Zahid said this when opening the annual general meeting of the Perlis Ex-Servicemen's Association in Kangar.

"I hope ex-servicemen will not use the various associations they have set up as a political platform. If they want to engage in politics, join the political parties," he said.

Upload loyalty to gov’t of the day

Ahmad Zahid gave the assurance that he would continue to fight for the well-being of ex-servicemen as long as he is defence minister.

He said each ex-serviceman must uphold their pledge of loyalty to the king and government of the day which they made while in service.

"When they are no longer in service, they must not allow themselves to be used as tools by irresponsible parties out to gain influence and to serve their own political interest," he added.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid also presented the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) to 40 Malaysian armed forces veterans in Perlis.

Also present were state Social Welfare Committee chairman Mansor Jusoh, Veterans' Affairs Department deputy director-general Mohd Fauzi Eshak and president of the Perlis Ex-Servicemen's Association Idrus Kassim.

- Bernama