KUALA LUMPUR: Issues related to the welfare of army veterans including matters related to pension do not only involve the Defence Ministry, but also other ministries since it is closely linked to the financial position of the country.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein nevertheless said the ministry through its Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV) is "always" ready to meet representative from the army veterans who are unhappy on the issue of pension.
"We have the JHEV to look into this matter. In fact, I had previously asked my deputy (Datuk Seri Ikmal Hashim Abdul Aziz) to look into the welfare of veterans immediately after I re-joined the ministry.
"Nevertheless, I will personally look into this matter.
"However, I hope for understanding from every one when it comes to the limitations faced by the ministry, especially if the issue is related to the financial position of the country," he told reporters here today.
Hishammuddin was asked about the peaceful assembly staged 500 army veterans at Tugu Negara here recently.
It was reported that the veterans had staged the assembly to air their grouses and grievances on the issue of pension.
Participants of the assembly had also outlined several demands including a better pension scheme as well as seeking pension payments for those who served in the army for less than 21 years.
When asked about an invitation from a participant from the assembly for the minister to take part in a debate about veterans' welfare, Hishammuddin said such a thing would not lead to an amicable solution to the issue.
"This issue (related to pension of army veterans) is nothing new. If we want to engage in a debate every day, then there is no end and solution to the issue," he said.