KANGAR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Ex-servicemen were today advised to be wary of
the opposition''s sweet promises to avoid becoming their tools.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said ex-service should
give their trust to Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak who had 14 years of
experience as defence minister, hence he understood their rights and needs.
"In fighting for their rights, ex-servicemen don''t need to set up so many
associations with various names, but to make do with the existing ones as their
struggle and objectives are the same."
Ahmad Zahid said this when opening the annual general meeting of the Perlis
Ex-Servicemen''s Association, here.
"I hope ex-servicemen will not use the various associations they have set up
as a political platform. If they want to engage in politics, join the politival
parties," he said.
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ZAHID-EX-SERVICEMEN 2 (LAST) KANGAR
Ahmad Zahid gave the assurance that he would continue to fight for the
well-being of ex-servicemen as long as he is defence minister.
He said each ex-serviceman must uphold their pledge of loyalty to the king
and government of the day which they made while in service.
"When they are no longer in service, they must not allow themselves to be
used as tools by irresponsible parties out to gain influence and to serve their
own political interest," he added.
At the event, Ahmad Zahid also presented the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) to
40 Malaysian armed forces veterans in Perlis.
Also present were state Social Welfare Committee chairman Mansor Jusoh,
Veterans'' Affairs Department deputy director-general Mohd Fauzi Eshak and
president of the Perlis Ex-Servicemen''s Association Datuk Idrus Kassim.
-- BERNAMA
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