Retired brigadier-general Mohd Arshad Raji's concern over the government's attempt to get huge foreign investments, which may affect the sovereignty of the country, is justified, said PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Nik Nazmi said Arshad's concern should be treated seriously as his views are relevant being an army veteran responsible in defending the country's sovereignty.

“There is truth to his view as Malaysia had in the past taken a neutral stance. However, such principles can now be overturned if we are too dependent on a foreign country's investment to resolve Malaysia's economic crisis,” he said.

It was reported two days ago that Arshad had warned the government not to be eager in selling the country's properties to foreign companies, especially those from a country which was once an ally of Parti Komunis Malaya (PKM), which the veterans had fought against.

"Will we feel safe and confident of the cooperation with the relevant foreign country that it will bring good returns for our country instead of posing a security threat?" Arshad had asked.

Nik Nazmi also shared Arshad's frustrations over a major gathering planned by Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVTAM) sometime in July, as the army should be independent from any political influences and should not be used to fulfill the political agenda of certain quarters.

He said according to a source, the proposed mammoth gathering would see several BN leaders attending “to deliver” something.

“What sort of contributions would the ministers announce in the mammoth gathering?,” he asked.

“Is the government using this opportunity to drum up support as the general election would be held? It clearly shows their (BN) intention to use the army veteran as a political tool, whereas their welfare had been neglected all this while,” Nik Nazmi added.

The PKR Youth chief said if the government is concerned about the people, especially the army veterans, then they should listen to their grouses and stop using them for their own political interests.

Arshad had questioned holding a planned mammoth gathering in July which has political elements and threatened to hold a counter rally.