Defence ministry: We care for welfare of veterans
Veterans facing problems or seeking help must go through proper channels, it says.
PETALING JAYA: The defence ministry has denied claims made by a veterans group, Malaysian Army Veterans Reform Movement (GRVATM), that the government does not have proper plans to take care of the interests of veterans.
In a statement today, Malaysian Armed Forces Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV ATM) director-general Maj-Gen Dzulkarnain Ahmad said the claims made by the group were baseless.
He said the government was very concerned about veterans’ welfare.
He said any veteran facing problems should channel complaints through proper channels.
“The National Veterans Council (MVK) met on Dec 24 last year. It will meet again next month to discuss issues, future plans and new ideas for ATM veterans.
“The department, through its branches nationwide, is responsible for monitoring and providing appropriate assistance to veterans.”
Dzulkarnain advised veterans to register with legal associations to facilitate any business or delivery of assistance and information to them.
“The defence ministry, through JHEV ATM, has always been attentive and cares about the welfare of veterans. It is committed to helping raise the socio-economic status of veterans.”
Yesterday, GRVATM had urged the government to declare its plans and initiatives to enhance the welfare and status of veterans.
Its chairman, Azizan Salleh, said he was hoping the new government, through Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, would address several issues related to the welfare of veterans, their widows and children.
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He claimed there had been no changes nine months after Pakatan Harapan came to power and veterans were being kept in the dark.