MANY of our ex-servicemen and women are languishing in the B40 category.
These uniformed men and women have given the best part of their lives in defending our nation and ensured that the peace all citizens and political masters now enjoy, continues.
Many paid huge sacrifices including the untold pains of separation from their loved ones for prolonged periods, missing family occasions and celebrations, as they placed the call of duty to the nation above their own rights and freedom.
While many citizens chose the pathway of career success – be it in politics, business, the desk bound civil service or in professional excellence – our armed forces, navy, air force and police proudly donned their uniforms, held the guns, and risked life and limb all for the love of the nation’s safety and security.
Comparably, their pay packet pales. Comparably, they are devoid of perks in life. Yet the sacrifices they gallantly endured truly have no match.
Lest we forget, the work environment of our soldiers and police, their basic comforts and technology, is a far cry from the modernisation we proudly showcase and trappings the rest of the nation enjoys with easy access.
But look at the pensions they are left with eventually.
In fact, it is no secret that when an ex-service personnel or veteran falls critically ill or passes away, their former colleagues have to pass the hat around just so there is some money pooled to relieve their misery, buy much-needed health aids or pay medical bills, or help rebuild a humble house ravaged by flood or fire, or even to bury his or her dead.
Many of these pensioners are nudged into the B40 category and under the poverty line as the economic crunch bites on.
Patriotism and national unity, as well as the Madani principle of shared prosperity become meaningless if it involves an endless wait for concrete, meaningful and significant measures by governments to review and redress the pension scheme, as well as the pay structures of service personnel.
If lawmakers can enjoy swift changes to the envious pay packets and perks that come with their job; if CEOs of GLCs and GLICs can lavish in their mind-blowing bonuses; if businesses can thrive and prosper from economic benefits of the nation – should we not be ashamed to see our defenders of the nation being sidelined?
In a nutshell, the review and redressing of salaries and pensions of our ex-servicemen and women will benchmark just how caring, compassionate and just we are as a nation. – December 2, 2023
JD Lovrenciear, an Aliran member, is a KL-based writer, trainer and consultant, who also offers his time to support initiatives to build a progressive society