A member of the Malaysian Armed Forces participates in a recent military exercise. Bernama Photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will never forget the contributions and sacrifices of members of the Malaysian Armed Forces as well as its veterans who risk their lives to defend the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
As such, he said it was now the government’s responsibility to look after their welfare.
Najib also urged all Malaysians to appreciate the veterans and respect them as national heroes.
“Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever wondered how we could carrying our routine, (spending time) relaxing with the family and sending (our) children to school safe and sound?
“Whether (we) realise it or not, at this moment, our defence personnel are now along the coast and public areas risking their lives in protecting the country from internal and external threats,” he said in a posting on his blog najibrazak.com.
Najib said in appreciation for their sacrifices, the government spent about RM3.28 billion last year for the welfare of the veterans in various aspects covering pension, gratuity, medical benefits, house repair and construction works, funeral management, welfare schemes and so on.
He also said the government provided the natural disaster and health assistance to the group amounting to a maximum of RM5,000.
“There is also assistance for children enrolling into university of RM1,000 for diploma and RM1,500 for bachelor degree courses.
“As for the poor, ailing, disabled or veterans with chronic illnesses, they are eligible to receive financial assistance of RM300 per month via the cost of living assistance scheme to ease their burden,” said the prime minister. – Bernama