Early retirees from armed forces may get a form of pension

The Star

LABIS: The Defence Ministry is looking into helping certain armed forces personnel experiencing financial difficulties after retirement.

Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad said these people were not qualified to receive pensions because they had served less than 22 years in the force.

Many were facing financial problems now.

Dr Latiff said about 15% of the armed forces veterans in the country were those who had opted for early retirement.

To overcome this, the ministry was looking at introducing a special career programme for personnel who had opted for early retirement, he added.

“We want to find suitable jobs for servicemen who opt for early retirement. The programme may be based on what has been carried out in the United States.

“With the programme in place, the ministry will be able to identify a post-retirement job for our staff,” he told reporters after attending the army veterans celebration here Tuesday.

Abdul Latiff also said all retiring armed forces servicemen would enjoy better benefits when Parliament passed the Armed Forces Veterans Act next year.

He added the ministry was committed to taking care of about 90,000 veterans throughout the country.

Abdul Latiff said the ministry was looking at amending the Armed Forces Act to allow servicemen who retire early to get some kind of regular payments.

“We are looking into giving an allowance or even a form of pension for those who retire after serving less than 22 years,” he added.