KUCHING: The contributions and sacrifices of armed forces veterans must never be overlooked, especially by the younger generation.
Therefore, it is critical to have an engagement between the veterans and youth to enable the latter to appreciate the sacrifices made by the military veterans and not take for granted the peace and sovereignty enjoyed today.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Corporate Affairs) Abdullah Saidol urged the veterans to reach out and engage with the youth and share their experiences while educating them on values acquired in the military.
“At the same time, provide them with a better insight and understanding on the sacrifices made back then in defending our country’s peace and sovereignty.
“Nowadays, there are plenty of misconceptions, slander, hatred and other negativities in the society and thus, your experience in the army in teaching the youths is very much appreciated,” he said when representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Malaysian Armed Forces Veteran Association (PVATM) fundraising dinner for Kuching, Batu Kawa and Tupong branches here on Saturday.
Saidol assured PVATM members that the state government would look into their welfare, especially in respect of the Satu Anggota Satu Rumah (Sasar) programme.
Earlier, Abang Johari, in his text-of-speech read by Saidol, said the state government was committed to helping the veterans improve their welfare. As such, the state government has appointed many veterans as community leaders and tuai rumah. Some were even appointed as councillors due to their experience, high discipline and ultimate contribution to the state.
“We even have a veteran member as our elected representative in Datuk Ranum Mina (Opar assemblyman),” he said.
At the function, Saidol announced a government grant of RM30,000 to the association to fund its activities.
He also announced a contribution of RM10,000 from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbencher’s Club and another RM10,000 from his MRP fund.
