KOTA SAMARAHAN: The first Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) polyclinic will be built at the Penrissen Camp here, revealed the Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
According to him, if the Barisan Nasional (BN) was given the mandate to remain in power, the welfare of military personnel would continue to be preserved.
“We plan to upgrade five hospitals in ATM camps nationwide and one of them is the Penrissen Camp which will be upgraded to a polyclinic. We will also build a special hospital for ATM veterans in Perak,” he said in a press conference at the ‘Program Jelajah Perkasa Perwira’, which was attended by Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Muara Tuang Camp here yesterday.
He stressed the education for the army’s children would continue to be assured under the BN government.
Talking on the event held, Hishammuddin said it was an initiative to meet the ATM members at the grassroots level.
In the meantime, he also commented on a news portal report questioning ATM loyalty to certain political parties as ridiculous.
“Do not try to question the loyalty of ATM members because their loyalty is unwavering for the king and the nation. Of course, they are sad for being accused on their loyalty,” stressed the minister.
Earlier, Hishammuddin has pinned the Honorary Brigadier General rank on Johari who was also appointed as the patron for the state Territorial Army Supporters’ Committee (JAKPAW).
Johari was awarded the rank through the 559th Armed Forces Council (MAT) on September 27 last year. The appointment as the state JAKPAW Patron is awarded to the chosen state government leader.
In his keynote address, Hishammuddin said the state government was very helpful in safeguarding the welfare of ATM members, including the Armed Forces Wives Association (Bakat).
“I say so because the state government has contributed RM200,000 to Bakat which has never been done by any state.
“This proves that the Sarawak government appreciates the struggle of ATM members here,” he explained.
At the event, the Defence Minister also announced an allocation of RM630,000 to upgrade the ATM, Air Force (TUDM) and Navy (TLDM camps in the state.
“I assure Sarawak people that the ATM will continue to protect the sovereignty of the state as its main and ongoing agenda includes strengthening security in border areas such as Bakun, which is currently under surveillance,” he added.
Also present were Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Hajah Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, ATM chief, Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohammed Noor; TUDM chief, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang and Eastern Field Command commander, Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar.
