RM20 million has been added to aid programmes for veterans, said Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, as he made an appeal to retired soldiers, an important voting bloc in the Cameron Highlands by-election.

Mohammad, who addressed Felda settlers of Sg Koyan 2 and 3 at a rally, listed out these schemes to disprove allegations from the opposition who claimed that Pakatan Harapan is neglecting veterans.

In fact, said Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, it was the previous Barisan Nasional administration which neglected them, highlighting that the National Veterans’ Council did not even meet once in its six-year lifespan.

“The 2019 allocation for veterans has been increased from RM78.9 million to RM98.9 million by the new government, an increase of RM20 million,” he said, adding that former soldiers must register with a government-recognised veterans’ association to take advantage of the aid.

The assistance includes a RM300 cost of living aid, RM700 and RM500 for secondary and primary school-going children, RM1,000 and RM1,500 for children pursuing diploma and degree programmes respectively, RM1,500 to purchase medical equipment and RM3,000 for funeral preparations.

Those who lose a spouse or child are eligible for RM1,500, while those whose house is damaged can apply for up to RM5,000 in aid.

“And yet the previous minister came and told you that PH has forgotten the veterans,” he said.

The majority of about 1,600 voters and settlers in Felda Sg Koyan 2 and 3 are former military men who joined the scheme after they were discharged in the late 1970s.

The two settlements are in the Jelai state constituency, which is part of the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat.

The by-election is being contested by M. Manogaran (PH), Ramli Mohd Nor (BN) and two independents Sallehudin Ab Talib and Wong Seng Yee.

Mat Sabu said it was BN which did not take veterans’ welfare seriously.

“The National Veterans’ Council was set up six years ago but has not once held a meeting,” he said, adding that the sole meeting held was declared null and void because it was only chaired by a deputy minister. The law says that only the minister can chair its meetings.

“If the government’s finances improve next year, we will ask for more money for veterans.” – January 22, 2019.