MELAKA: Armed Forces and police personnel could soon see better career progression, with fast-track promotions for all security personnel.
The government has agreed in principle to simplify and expedite the promotion process, with details of the new mechanism set to be announced at Stadium Merdeka on the eve of the National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz were finalising the implementation framework.
“Give them a little more time before the official announcement,” he said when addressing the Semarak Kenegaraan programme with the armed forces at Terendak Camp in Sungai Udang here yesterday.
The Prime Minister revealed that the issue of delayed promotions had been raised directly with him during his visit to Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negri Sembilan, last month.
The government, he added, would also continue strengthening the country’s defence capabilities through Budget 2027 while ensuring the welfare of military personnel.
He stressed that maintaining defence readiness was vital to safeguarding the nation’s peace and security, and should not be prioritised only when conflict erupts.
“We cannot wait until war is declared before we begin to act. That is why I also want to ensure the procurement of weapons and military equipment is carried out in a proper, transparent and orderly manner,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said increased allocations for the defence sector would be channelled towards improving the welfare of service personnel, including upgrading residential quarters, building new military hospitals and enhancing basic facilities such as water supply.
He said the Defence Ministry’s allocation had increased by 35% over the past three years.
“This is not a small increase and what matters is ensuring our equipment is not left in poor condition and that procurement is carried out without controversy,” he said.
Anwar said the higher allocation had been made possible by the country’s stronger economic performance, supported by a strengthening ringgit, higher foreign investment and controlled inflation.
During the event, he also announced an allocation of RM147,000 for the Armed Forces Wives’ Welfare Association as well as RM1mil for the maintenance of mosques and surau at Melaka’s Terendak, Sungai Udang, Masjid Tanah and Bukit Beruang camps.
