Defence White Paper includes ATM members, veterans, families’ welfare

KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence White Paper that would be tabled by the Defence Ministry in Parliament next year will include the aspect of the welfare of members, families and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces, (ATM), the Dewan Negara sitting was told yesterday.

Its deputy minister Liew Chin Tong said the white paper would outline the direction and the defence strategy and national security.

He added that the government had also recently approved assistance including financial aid of RM500,000 to be distributed to 140 associations of former military personnel.

“The Defence Ministry has always prioritised the issues of welfare, whether to those who are still in service or who have ceased to serve.

“Therefore, the government’s efforts in safeguarding their welfare will be continued and will be improved,” he said in reply to a question from Senator Husam Musa who wanted to know the reforms to enhance the welfare of military personnel including retirees.

According to Liew, the ministry through the ATM’s Department of Veterans Affairs has been conducting a study on the ATM pensioners retirement gap before and after 2004 where the conclusions of the study would be taken to the central agency for further action.

“Meanwhile, in order to improve the employment opportunities for ATM veterans, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Armed Forces ExServicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) involving 2,000 job opportunities, supported by 28 companies and 13 industry associations,” he added.

He said the ministry would also review the sailing allowance for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel of RM20 a day when they stop by at the overseas port, as the rate was too low in comparison to that of the other countries.

He said the ministry would also hold a National Veterans Council meeting on Dec 24, which will be the first meeting since the Veterans Act was passed in 2012.

In response to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Hanafi Mamat who wanted to know about the ministry’s response to Singapore’s defence minister’s statement on maritime disputes between Malaysia and Singapore, Liew said the ministry wished to not participate in a verbal confrontation.

“Singapore has its own consideration. We do not want to confront verbally. Our army is always alert and this issue has been addressed by the Foreign Ministry,” he said. - Bernama