THE sacrifices they made for their country in a gruesome and bitter war against the communists have been forgotten by the nation, war veterans said.

Retired Major Micheal Riman said his service in the army has become merely a memory he has to live with.

The Sarawak-born army ranger told The Malaysian Insight he still carried a huge battle scar on his right arm.

“In a battle with the communists in the 1970s, I was badly injured when a bullet hit my arm,” said Micheal, revealing a huge scar underneath his long sleeve shirt.

Michael fought alongside the late Kanang anak Langkau, the famous Iban warrior, in the 8th Ranger Regiment.

“Our sacrifices mean nothing. The authorities could have at least have shown us some gratitude,” he said.

Micheal said many of his colleagues in the army are not able to cope with the rising cost of living as their pensions are small.

“The pension system needs to be revised. What we receive as veterans is not enough.

“For those who retired before 2013, the pension is very low. Those who retired after 2013 get a higher pension even though some of us were higher ranked.

“For example, a major who retired before 2013 has the same pension as a corporal who retired after 2013. This to me, does not make sense,” said the 70-year-old former soldier.

pension

Another veteran, Colonel Ismail, 84, said the least the government could do was to standardise the pension.

Ismail said it was clear Putrajaya had no interest in the welfare of ex-army personnel.

“They have forgotten about us. The so-called appreciation is mere lip service,” he said.

“If they were sincere, we wouldn’t be complaining. How can we, who have given everything, receive this kind of treatment?

“The pension is one key issue. How can we have two sets of payment? One before 2013, and another after. Those who retired after 2013 get more. The government should set a standard. Give equally to all veterans,” he said.

Ismail slammed Putrajaya for taking the veterans for granted.

Citing the Hari Pahlawan celebration as an example, he said veterans who were supposed to be honoured were placed at the back of the stage.

“If you want to recognise us, don’t put us at the back. Who would pay attention to us if we’re at the back?”

Hari Pahlawan falls on July 31.

Back in June hundreds of military veterans rallied to raise awareness of their welfare issues. “Veteran Bangkit” was held at the National Monument in Kuala Lumpur.

The group demanded, among other things, a pension scheme for veterans who retire early.

Military personnel must serve for at least 21 years to qualify for a pension. 

The group said military personnel must be given the same rights as other civil servants, who receive a pension after serving 10 years.

They also urged that retired soldiers who were retrenched for disciplinary problems be pardoned.

Veterans can inspire young officers

Retired Lieutenant General Zaini Mohd Said said veterans could inspire younger officers to serve the nation better.

He said he looked up to the Iban warrior Kanang when he was young.

“When we ask for recognition, it is not because we want to be idolised. That is not our intention.

“But we can inspire younger officers to become good soldiers, just like how I was inspired by the great Kanang anak Langkau. In those days, I told myself, I want to be like him.”

Zaini said the government is not looking after retired soldiers.

“We gave our all for the country and we do not regret it for a second. We left our families behind, our kids grew up without their father.

“After giving so much to the country, why can’t the government look after us, recognise our efforts and not look down on us?”

Zaini was in the commando unit for 26 years. He was trained by the American special forces.

“We all know about the Black Hawk Down film, in which Malaysian soldiers rescued American soldiers in the battle of Mogadishu.

“One of my friends, retired Major Aziz is still alive and he was one of the men involved in the battle. He was there at Hari Pahlawan.

“All they did was tell everyone how we helped the Americans but they did not even bother to mention the name of Aziz, who was on the ground risking his life to save American soldiers.

“They did not even bother to mention his name when he was the real hero. A living legend. How many of our young officers know about Major Aziz, I don’t think anyone knows him,” he said.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has said that veterans will never be sidelined.

“Veterans are priority in various sectors, including education, healthcare and housing,” he said.

He said he is willing to meet people to talk about protecting the interests of the group. – August 6, 2022.