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Armed Forces Veterans Say They Received Approval For Demonstration & Question Police Probe

Armed Forces Veterans Say They Received Approval For Demonstration & Question Police Probe

The group of army veterans and the police reached a “verbal agreement” prior to the peaceful demonstration.

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An army veteran, Mior Rosli Mior Jaafar, questioned why the police are investigating a peaceful demonstration at Tugu Negara on Monday when the group already received the go-ahead.

He claimed that the veterans had a meeting with the police on 31 May and reached a “verbal agreement” to allow them to hold the event at Tugu Negara during which traffic control, ambulances and police protection would be provided, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.

I assumed what they (police) said was true, that the event was approved. We were not marching, nor were we provoking the government. We just wanted to speak about our rights. We made sacrifices for this country during the Emergency. We were the ones who protected this country from the communists, and this is how we are treated? It is not right to treat the veterans this way.

Army veteran, Mior Rosli Mior Jaafar

Another veteran, Rafique Ali Ahmad Nordin, was also part of the group that met with the police on 31 May.

He said two police officers came to see him in Seremban on 2 June to clarify some matters.

We were sure that they (police) had given us verbal approval.

Army veteran, Rafique Ali Ahmad Nordin

He also shared a Whatsapp message which outlined the alleged details of the “arrangement” reached between both parties.

What was the peaceful demonstration about?

On Monday (6 June), about 2,000 retired soldiers gathered at Tugu Negara to call for better treatment of army veterans in the nation.

They asked for a review of the pension rate and pension payments for those who served in the armed forces for fewer than 21 years.

READ MORE: [Watch] “If They Can’t Take Care Of Us, Step Down” Veterans Rallied At Tugu Negara Urging For Pension Review

The group of veterans also asked for those who were dismissed for disciplinary misconduct to be granted amnesty. Currently, those who were dismissed lose their veteran privilege and rights to receive a pension as stated in the Army Veteran Act 2002.

Some were dismissed a year before their retirement while some are dismissed on offences that do not merit a discharge or dismissal in other public services.

Image: @ZareenH_s/ Twitter

To make things worse, most retired army personnel ranked Lieutenant Colonel and below are currently in the B40 group.

READ MORE: Bekas Anggota ATM Terharu Terima Rumah Selepas 20 Tahun Tinggal Dalam Kereta

Without naming anyone, the group urged the minister in charge of the veterans of the armed forces to quit if he doesn’t want to take care of the veteran’s welfare.

Despite holding a peaceful demonstration, six individuals have been summoned by the police for questioning.

An investigation paper has been opened under Section 9 of the Peaceful Assembly Act. Under Section 9 of the Act, organisers are required to notify the relevant district police chiefs at least 10 days before an assembly is held. Guilty persons can be fined not more than RM10,000.

Dang Wangi district police chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the police were also looking for several others to assist in the investigation.

READ MORE: Police Calls In 6 Individuals Over Veteran’s Rally At Tugu Negara


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