KAJANG: Over 500 Armed Forces veterans' associations have come together for the first supreme council convention of the Coalition of Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans’ Associations.
The convention was launched by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre on Monday (April 27).
"Today, we are witnessing the first convention of the coalition of veterans' associations, which is an initiative undertaken by the Defence Ministry to ensure that relationships and cooperation among these groups can be coordinated through a unified platform," he said at the launch.
"There are approximately 521 veterans’ associations, and with such a large number, it has not been easy for us to effectively connect and engage with them.
"It is important for the ministry to manage its affairs with veterans properly, and we recognise the contributions they have made."
Khaled added that the coalition was needed as the large number of associations resulted in multiple voices that required coordination, including on issues of a specific nature that did not necessarily reflect the interests of the wider veteran community.
"This has created a less favourable perception of solidarity among veterans’ associations, while placing the Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV) in a challenging position when determining priorities to be escalated to higher levels," he noted.
He added that a number of upskilling programmes have been held to help veterans in their life after service.
"Today, we are implementing many empowerment programmes, and these require participation and cooperation from the veterans themselves.
"Among the key initiatives is the Pro Wira programme, which allows veterans without academic qualifications to undergo training with industries and companies.
"During the training period, participants receive a monthly allowance of RM2,000 for up to one year.
"The programme is designed to improve employability, with the expectation that participating companies would absorb trained veterans into the workforce.
"This is where... the coalition becomes important as it allows us to move more effectively and successfully implement various programmes that will benefit and improve the well-being of the veterans themselves," Khaled told the media after the event.
He also said that with most veterans retiring in their early 40s, many still had young families to care for, including school-going children.
"We do not want them to depend solely on small pensions or government welfare assistance.
"They are at an age where they can still contribute to the nation’s development and must be encouraged to work," he said.
