PATRIOT is thankful to the government for providing a special one-off aid of RM300 to all veterans, including those with no pension.
The finance minister announced this when he tabled Budget 2021 in Parliament. Much must be done to ensure that those really in need of such aid receive the money, especially among the rank and file.
Although RM300 is not a big amount, it is better than nothing. Since 2019, both pensioned and non-pensioned veterans should have received a total of RM1,250.
The breakdown is as follows: Bonus 2019 – RM 250; Pingat Jasa Malaysia – RM500; Prihatin – RM500. Veterans unaware of these payments should check with the Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV).
It is doubtful that all veterans, including those who are non-pensioned, received the RM1,250 payout. JHEV might not have the records, including the bank account details of all veterans, especially the non-pensioners. There is an urgent need for JHEV to immediately update its records.
Patriot is concerned for veterans who are elderly and have lost touch with their comrades. They might not be aware of the RM300 aid.
A large number live in rural and remote areas. Many do not have phone contact. In any case, attempts must be made to reach out to them. Even if the RM300 reaches them late, the gesture of recognition is more important – that they once served and were prepared to die for the country.
Patriot humbly requests that all veterans’ associations work closely with JHEV on this matter. Reach out to all members for the purpose of updating records.
Patriot would also like the Defence Ministry and our government to seriously consider the plight of veterans who retired before 2004. There is a huge disparity in pension scale between those who retired before and after that year.
This matter has been brought up several times to higher authorities, without any positive outcome. We implore the ministry and our government to seriously consider the matter. – The Vibes, December 2, 2020
* Brig Gen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji is president of the National Patriots’ Association (Patriot)
