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KUCHING, Aug 4: Armed forces veterans are encouraged to reach out to the youths to talk about their sacrifices to protect the peace and sovereignty of the nation.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Corporate Affairs) Abdullah Saidol said the youths need to know the history and sacrifices made by the military veterans to protect the country, so that the peace enjoyed today will always be honoured and well preserved.
“Many youths nowadays do not know the sacrifices made by the military veterans and take for granted the peace and sovereignty they are enjoying now.
“I urge the veterans, as part of your activities, to engage the youth because I think many of them do not understand the sacrifices you made back in the days to defend our country’s peace and sovereignty,” he said at the Malaysian Royal Army Veteran Association (PVATM) Fundraising Dinner for Kuching, Batu Kawa and Tupong branches, here, yesterday.
He called on the veterans to also teach the youths the true meaning of a military parade (marching drills) and the spirit of comradeship of helping one another in the armed forces, which applies in the context of daily life.
“In today’s environment, there are plenty of hatred, slander and other negativity in the society and I think your experience in the army is very much appreciated to teach the youths,” said Abdullah.
On a related note, he assured PVATM that the state and former Eastern Command commander, Maj Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw, will look into the defunct SASAR or Satu Anggota Satu Rumah programme, where each veteran was supposed to be entitled to a house.
He was told by Stephen that this programme had been abolished for unknown reasons and said the state government would look into re-initiating this programme soon.
Abdullah was representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari, in his text-of-speech read by Abdullah, said the state government is committed to help improve welfare of the veterans
“The state government has appointed many veterans as community leaders and tuai rumah. Some even appointed as councillors.
“The appointment is due to your ultimate contribution to the state. We even have a veteran member as our elected representative in Datuk Ranum Mina (Opar assemblyman),” he said.
The state government also announced RM30,000 contribution to the three PVATM branches — Kuching, Batu Kawa and Tupong — to organise their annual activities.
Abdullah also announced a contribution of RM10,000 from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbencher’s Club and another RM10,000 from his ministerial contribution for the PVATM Fundraising campaign. — DayakDaily