KUCHING: Gallantry award holders are considering declining future invitations to state ceremonies held outside their hometowns.
Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medal holder Major Michael Riman (Rtd), who spoke on behalf of them, said though they felt honoured to be invited, the money they had to cough out for food, travelling and accommodation expenses was not worth it.
“It is not that we don’t want to attend such events, but the reality is we have to spend a lot of money on food, transportation and accommodation. We are only pensioners and have other things to worry about,” he told The Borneo Post here yesterday.
Also present were PGB recipients Sergeant Dajai Anggie (Rtd) and former Sub-Inspector Mohamad Salim.
Riman said attending federal events were different because not only were everything paid for, but they would be given pocket money, as well.
“All of us are of the opinion that we have sacrificed enough for the country. We just don’t have enough money to attend such (state) occasions, unless the state emulates what the Federal Government is doing.
“We are not demanding anything, but paying for our expenses can be taken as a gesture of appreciation for our sacrifices for the country.”
After all, Riman said, there were only a handful of them still alive (eight from the armed forces and three from the police).
Mohamad lamented their (police) case was worse as they were not even recognised by the government.
“We were never invited to any special occasions, both at federal and state levels. At least the military award holders are still remembered, not us,” said Mohamad.