Former Armed Forces (ATM) staff especially the highest ranking officers, must keep secrets and uphold sovereignty although they have retired from service, according to two ex-servicemen's associations.     

Ex-Servicemen's Traders Association Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and the Malay Military Veterans Association regretted action by several former high ranking ATM officers for criticising ATM and the government.     

President of Ex-Servicemen's Traders Association Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Mohd Shahni Ismail said retired ATM staff should uphold sovereignty of the country just like when they were in office.     

"They (the former generals) had turned their back on the government, whereas they had taken the oath of allegiance to keep state secrets which can't be divulged until they die," he told reporters after attending the first meeting of the association here today.     

Mohd Shahni said the former generals should give advice on how to deal with intruders in Lahad Datu, Sabah rather than questioning action taken by ATM and the government.     

President of the Malay Military Veterans Association, Mohd Ali Baharom hopes the government does not tolerate and take legal action against those trying to create chaos in the the country.     

- Bernama