KUCHING: The state’s army veterans who braved the frontlines during the Japanese and communist insurgencies in the 1960s and 1970s are dismayed they have not been given the government’s RM3,000 incentive.
The one-off payment to thank the security forces for their service during that dark era was announced by the prime minister during the 2011 budget, but the army was sidelined.
Speaking on behalf of the 14,000 members statewide, Cooperatives for Ex-rangers Malaysia (Koprem) advisor Captain (rtd) Johari Ibrahim said it was high time their voices were heard as their federal counterpart had chosen to remain quiet on the issue.
“There is a black spot somewhere and I cannot find the answer to why we (army) were sidelined when the field force and border scouts have the nod to receive the incentive,” said Johari who is also pro-tem secretary-general of Sarawak Rangers Veteran Association.
Johari made it clear that their statement was not to go against the government as they had and, always would be staunch supporters till the end.
“I am asking an open-ended question as I am talking on behalf of all the members in Sarawak, and not for the 240,000 members in Semenanjung,” he said.
Johari who relived his experience in the force said Sarawak in the 60s faced a two-pronged attack from the Indonesian confrontation and communist insurgency while peninsular forces went head to head with the Malayan Communist Party.
“We all faced the same threat lurking at the border; we fought side by side with the field force, border scouts, rangers and Askar Melayu in the harsh environment for months at end,” he said.
“In terms of fairness, how come after 40 years, the army is being sidelined? Why is the government looking at only one side?” said Johari, hoping for an answer soon.
He revealed that countless phone calls from disgruntled members had reached him and the office asking why they were not given the incentive.
Johari recalled that Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Sibu had made it clear that he would meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to solve this issue.
“Two months have passed and there is still no answer,” Johari added.