OPPOSITION leader Anwar Ibrahim has told the defence minister to look into the plight of military veterans, who want a better pension scheme.

“I have been following the peaceful assembly by the veterans of the armed forces today at the National Monument. It was clear that these veterans were left with no other option to fight for their rights and other issues they face, after failing to get the ministry’s attention.

“My partners in Pakatan Harapan and I had raised these issues to the Parliament several times before this, and today I would like to again urge the defence minister to take immediate action regarding this matter.

“Do not neglect the voice of our armed forces veterans, who have sacrificed a lot for our nation,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Some 1,500 former members of the armed forces and pensioners held a peaceful demonstration at the National Monument in the capital this morning.

The group is demanding, among other things, a pension scheme for veterans who retired early.

Currently, military personnel must serve for 21 years to qualify for pension. Those who retire early are exempted from this benefit.

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

It also wants retired soldiers who were retrenched for disciplinary problems to be pardoned.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein last month said armed forces veterans will never be sidelined.

“They have been given priority in various sectors, including education, healthcare and housing.”

He added he has no problem with engaging or meeting those truly sincere in protecting the interests of the group. – June 6, 2022.