Retired commando hopes Budget 2023 will honour armed forces, vets

KUALA LUMPUR – The theme of Budget 2023, “Strengthening Recovery and Facilitating Reforms towards Sustainability of Economic Resilience and Wellbeing of Keluarga Malaysia”, which is due to be tabled tomorrow, has Malaysians from all walks of life eagerly waiting to see what is in store.

The same applies to military veteran groups as well. Although they are no longer in service and are now free civilians, these veterans are keeping the development of military matters and the Defence Ministry close to their hearts.

In an interview with The Vibes, retired military commando Corporal (Rtd) Mohd Ismawi Ismail emphasised that priority should be given to the armed forces as the security and sovereignty of the country are of the essence.

Echoing the statement made by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang in early September that the allocation for national defence needs to be increased to 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) compared to the 1% received through this year’s budget, Ismawi stated that this would bring greater advantage to the country.

“(Hopefully) having such a budget can absolutely improve national security because if we look at the current situation, threats of violence are rampant globally.

“We need to be on par with other developed countries… by using and adapting to advanced technology, let's not reject modern-day technology. For today's generation, [the type of] violence is different. So, we need a technology that works hand in hand, not just to settle for what we have. We can’t afford to do so.

“With (hopefully) a healthy budget as such, we can replace the obsolete equipment with modern technology. It would obviously increase our military’s readiness to a greater height,” he reiterated.

On September 14, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein stated that the application to increase the defence budget to 1.5% of GDP this year will facilitate planning for asset acquisition.

However, he said, it depends entirely on the state of the country’s economy. He said there are discussions with the Finance Ministry and agencies responsible for looking at the total amount available for national development.

“There is an argument that the allocation requested by the Defence Ministry (Mindef) is large but the return to the national economy is not much,” he was quoted as saying.

While on another matter, Ismawi – who is widely known as Mawi Black Commando – also touched on the issues of veterans being marginalised.

Under the Malaysian Armed Forces, according to him, there are four different categories of services – 13 years of service, 15 years of service, 18 years of service and 21 years of service.

However, only those who have served 21 years are eligible for a pension, he said.

“Retired military, or veterans – it should not matter how many years they have dedicated their lives for this beloved country. They had made sacrifices with their time and life battling conflict locally and abroad.

"They should be acknowledged and cared for, but unfortunately, not all of them are eligible for pensions,” he explained.

This is one of the reasons why, the Association of Veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (PVATM) is championing them in terms of allowance, Mawi said.

“We don't know how much; it could be between RM300 to RM500. Personally, I feel it should be considered seriously and approved accordingly. And if it is approved, then that's a symbol of appreciation that they should be awarded for their sacrifices,” he said. – The Vibes, October 6, 2022