KUALA LUMPUR: While support for military veterans in Malaysia is substantive, efforts to improve the recognition of our soldiers' contributions must continuously be stressed, said two former armed forces chiefs.
In exclusive interviews with the New Straits Times' Beyond the Headlines, they said to ensure veterans are well taken care of, there needed to be a holistic post-service life that encompasses re-training for life outside the military and secure welfare assistance.
To date, over 90 per cent of army veterans have benefited from the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) retraining programme, which prepares them for a second career after their military service.
Its chairman, General (Rtd) Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said that more than 60 per cent of these veterans have successfully secured job placements, demonstrating the government's commitment to aiding military personnel in transitioning to civilian life.
The programme, he said, has expanded its training hubs to 18 centres across various states, enhancing accessibility for soldiers.
Zulkifeli said the focus is on enhancing veterans' skills through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) method, which enables them to graduate with diplomas or advanced diplomas.
"For instance, a navy diver can receive training for employment in underwater welding with companies like Petronas."
That said, Zulkifeli noted the importance of balancing the defence budget across force development, force readiness and quality of life.
He said the significance of maintaining operational readiness and improving the quality of life for military personnel, including service terms, housing, schooling, and family support.
Meanwhile, General (Rtd) Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor called for improved support for veterans, particularly in enhancing pension schemes and healthcare assistance.
He said the current pension scheme offers only half of the last earned salary, with medically boarded personnel receiving even less.
"During my tenure, there was a push for increased pensions for medically-discharged personnel. I have even proposed establishing a dedicated veterans' hospital focusing on geriatric medicine.
"I have yet to see this being properly materialised and I hope that better support would be provided," he added.