KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition members of parliament have called on the government to put an end to the issue of armed forces (MAF) pension adjustments, currently under trial in the High Court.
Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) urged the Defence Ministry to not appeal and have a discussion with the attorney general (A-G).
He said the veterans are now in their twilight years, and there is a pressing need to expedite the resolution process.
"What is the point of going to court to appeal? It is clear-cut, it's the veterans right. So why wait to appeal, It is clearly stated in the law, that they must be paid.
"I am begging… I genuinely hope there will be a discussion with the A-G or whoever. There is no need to appeal, pay (the pension adjustment) according to the government's ability or do it gradually," he pleaded in Dewan Rakyat.
He said this while Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin was winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address his at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Echoing Khlir, Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN - Tanah Merah) said the military career is not the same as a civil servant's job.
"The military is on standby 24 hours a day; it is pitiful," he said.
In response, the Defence Minister said: "It is not solely about winning cases for the government; rather, it is about upholding the principles of justice and legality."
He said the court and the government are two separate entities, the court is independent from the government.
Khaled said the ministry will refrain from commenting directly on the issue due to its active status and ongoing trial.
However, he assured that fairness would prevail for all parties involved.
On Feb 5, the High Court allowed the originating summons filed by 50 retired armed forces personnel against the government, the Malaysian Armed Forces Council and two other parties regarding pension adjustments for those who retired before Jan 1, 2013. (LINK - https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/02/1010095/high-court-allo... )
Judicial Commissioner Suzana Muhamad Said made the ruling after hearing the arguments of Federal Counsel M. Kogilambigai, representing the four defendants and lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla, appearing for all plaintiffs.