Agenda for military depends on BN's returned mandate: Hishammuddin

PORT DICKSON: Various agendas put in place by the government for the military can only be continued if the Barisan Nasional (BN) is returned the mandate in the 14th General Election (GE14) on May 9, according to caretaker Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He said military personnel who will be voting early tomorrow should think carefully about the choice they make because their welfare was at stake.
"I have reminded military personnel to think about the agendas the government has for them and their families like on education, healthcare, housing, welfare of veterans as well as our direction in ensuring defence preparedness and security needs of the country.
"If there is no big mandate returned, the way I see it, the next five there will be no other work but politicking and politicking … having to counter all kinds of accusations most of which are baseless. Hence, the importance of BN winning by a huge margin so that the agendas can be realised, " he added.
Hishammuddin was speaking to reporters after attending the "Perkasa Perwira" programme at the Segenting Camp here today. Also present was Army chief Maj Gen Datuk Wira Md Tajri Alwi.
Also in attendance were BN candidates Datuk V. S. Mogan, who will be contesting the Port Dickson parliamentary seat (old name Telok Kemang); Yeong Kun You (Lukut); Datuk Tun Hairudin Abu Bakar (Bagan Pinang); Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohd Redza (Linggi) and R. Thinalan (Sri Tanjung – old name Port Dickson).
Hishammuddin, who is also caretaker Minister of Special Functions, said the BN had a proven track record in shouldering the mandate given by the people, even though it comes under incessant attacks by the opposition in trying to sidetrack the coalition from giving its best to the people.
On GE14 which has been described as the "Mother of all Elections", Hishammuddin, who is also Umno vice president, said Malaysians should look at other countries which changed governments because of hatred planted in the people by irresponsible quarters, which ultimately led to their downfall.
"That is why we (BN) must pass this test," he said.
Earlier, Hishammuddin visited the graves of fallen Royal Malay Regiment soldiers in Kampung Baru Si Rusa, near here. — Bernama