MILITARY veterans in their 50s to 90s have waited for their pension adjustments for more than a decade.
During that time, we have suffered the harsh realities of rising prices, trying hard to put food on the table, and do all kinds of jobs to keep our heads above water.
Many have died waiting in vain, the latest being Major Manan Abas (R), who died at 100.
During the two-month jungle training stint, our veterans had only rations with them, and they were taught and supervised by instructors to set up camps with ponchos, blankets and hammocks to sleep.
They also had to cook, build field toilets and do sentry duties. They used river water to bathe, wash, drink and cook.
Once in a while, they would hear the sounds of gunfire, as if they were under enemy attack.
And for good measure, they would hear the deafening sounds of mortar and artillery fire.
Some had never seen dead bodies with bullet holes and soaked in blood.
Some may have seen soldiers cry and shout in pain upon stepping on booby traps, and having to wait for a helicopter's arrival to be sent to a hospital.
Amputation would normally be the end result. Some lost their eyes and limbs.
We have been patient for more than 10 years.
How many more of us would have to ride into the sunset before this pension adjustment is approved?
I quote Major Mior Rosli (R) of the air force, who said: "We are not going against the government. We are just requesting what has been denied from us."
MAJOR MUSTAPHA ALI (R)
Royal Regiment of Artillery
Kuala Lumpur