Hishammuddin refutes claims army veterans leaning towards opposition

KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (pix) has refuted claims that many Malaysian Armed Forces veterans supported the opposition as they were dissatisfied with the government.
"These are just allegations, we have done a lot for our veterans and we have been doing it for quite sometime, not only recently.
"This is not the true picture of majority of the veterans as there are attempts by certain quarters to misconstrue issues concerning the veteran hospital and housing," he said when replying to a question on claims that armed forces veterans no longer support the government after retirement.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs portal, there are currently 275,820 veterans.
Speaking to reporters after launching Perkasa Perwira logo at Wisma Perwira today, Hishammuddin said the government had never forgotten the great contribution and sacrifices made by the veterans but medical and housing aid could only be provided in stages, not instantly.
Hishammuddin said the Ministry of Defence and the Malaysian Armed Forces welcomed proposals which could bring about improvements as planned in the National Transformation 2050 – Defence (TN50D).
"If they have better ideas, tell us. Don't just criticise without contributing any suggestion," he said. — Bernama