Oct 3: The Ex-Army Welfare Network (Kerabat) has expressed hope that Pakatan Rakyat would fight for the rights of army veterans, saying they had been neglected by the present government.
In a memorandum handed by Kerabat president Mohd Nazari Mokhtar to PR leaders at their first assembly in Serdang Jayalast night, the group listed eight resolutions to PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang and PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.Nazari claimed that the plight of ex-army men had been deteriorating especially for those without pension who formed the majority.
“We ask and appeal to the government to help return our privileges,” he added.
Among the proposal for PR to improve the ex-army’s welfare was to make a pledge to strengthen Kerabat secretariat as well as to control of the management of the Armed Forces Board (LAT) and Army’s Housing Corporation (SPAT).
PR was also asked to pay attention to the plight of widows and orphans especially in the ownership of Felda Plantation and Rumah Mesra Rakyat, and to give free education army widows and their children.
They also urged PR to consider giving a five percent rebate for their water and electricity bills, a raise in pension payment, special allocation of RM500 a month to those without pension, and a new town replacement policy for army veterans to retain their skills.
In response, Hadi stressed that PAS through its benevolent state agenda was committed to their welfare, pointing out that during its rule in Terengganu, PAS had helped to solve over 6000 cases of land ownership rights which also involved former army members.
Wan Azizah said she would urge the matter to be brought up at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Also present at Kerabat's gathering were Selangor PAS Commissioner Abdul Rani Osman, National Felda Settlers’ Children Association chairman Mazlan Aliman and PAS Youth Exco, Suhaizan Kaiat. |
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