You can still contribute, ex-servicemen told
Though you have retired from active service and returned to civilian life, you can still play an important role in society owing to your discipline and vast experience. In fact, many among you have been appointed as headmen and community leaders such as Temenggong and Penghulu.
KAPIT: Armed forces veterans should make use of their vast experience to continue serving the people either as village chiefs or community leaders, says Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Speaking when officiating at the annual general meeting of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association ( PVATM) Kapit branch here recently, he said those who have retired from the force still have much to contribute to society and the country in general.
“Though you have retired from active service and returned to civilian life, you can still play an important role in society owing to your discipline and vast experience.
“In fact, many among you have been appointed as headmen and community leaders such as Temenggong and Penghulu,” he said.
Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Kapit MP
According to Nanta, the government has always recognised the contribution of armed forces personnel in nation-building and their sacrifices in defending the country’s sovereignty, as proven by the many schemes available to ex- servicemen through the Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV).
He also thanked PVATM Kapit chairman Martin Bilun and his committee for inviting him to officiate the meeting, and announced a government grant of RM20,000 for the association to run its activities.
Nanta, meanwhile, called on exservicemen in the state to continue giving their solid support to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)led Sarawak government.
He said with the state election due to take place in 2021, Sarawakians need to remain united in supporting local-based parties to ensure the state’s rights and interests are given priority.
“As an independent coalition, GPS can support Bills put forth in parliament which are good for Sarawak, as well as oppose those which are not good for Sarawak.
“Our focus is on getting the best deal for Sarawak in terms of development funding to be on par with Peninsular Malaysia, and to get back our equal status as per the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he explained.
Nanta’s call was echoed by Bilun, who said retired servicemen ought to support those who have a good track record in serving the people and in fighting for the rights of the state.