Retired brigadier-general objects to political exploitation of veterans

A retired brigadier-general has questioned the motive behind the purported plan to mobilise 100,000 members of the Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) in July.

In an open letter to PVATM president Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, which was published on his Facebook account on Feb 20, Mohd Arshad Raji objected to the political exploitation of the veterans.

Contacted by Malaysiakini, Mohd Arshad said he learned of the plan from those who attended a roundtable conference on Feb 11, where the purported assembly was announced.

"It seems that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will announce something to us (later). But I don't know what he is going to tell us," he said.

Mohd Arshad said some veterans plan to oppose the said gathering. "We will call for a press conference on March 8," he added.

Malaysiakini has emailed Mohd Anwar, who is also an Umno senator, and is waiting for his response.

In his letter, Mohd Arshad expressed concern that the large-scale gathering would have a political agenda to influence the veterans to support the current administration.

"I do not know why the assembly is being held, but the number (of veterans involved) is rather extraordinary. I began to question: what is the purpose of such a large gathering?

"Then it occurred to me, news that has been widely spread claiming that GE14 could be held at the end of this year.

"I believe Tan Sri (Mohd Anwar) did not make this announcement on his own will, I believe the announcement was made on the behest of someone high in the political hierarchy, who has a political agenda.

"I can only assume that it is a gathering to convince the veterans to support the current regime," he said.

Mohd Arshad also feared that Malaysia, which the veterans had defended with their lives, would lose its sovereignty if the administration remained imprudent on three issues.

"First, the increasing national debt. Second, the widespread sale of properties to foreigners on the grounds that it is a joint development with a foreign company.

“Third, our willingness to allow foreign companies to develop the ports in Kuantan and Malacca on the excuse that this will facilitate and develop the shipping industry.

"Tell me, who is financing these projects when we know the government does not have the financial capabilities (to do so)? Are these funds borrowed from foreign companies, which would have to be settled in years to come?"

Cautioning that these projects have long-term security implications, Mohd Arshad asked if the armed forces and police top brass were consulted.

"If they were invited to a joint negotiation and endorsed (the projects), then I say they are unwise and shallow like our current political leaders in understanding the long-term security impact on this nation. We just have to see what is happening to Sri Lanka at present."

As for the purported mass gathering, the retired brigadier-general said if the aim is to embellish the image of political leaders or their agendas, then it should be called off.- Mkini