Veterans' political party? That's a negative, says department

 

The Veterans Affairs Department said the Registrar of Societies (ROS) can suspend or de-register any veterans association if it takes part in political activities.

In a statement today, the department said any association registered under the Veterans Act 2012 is not allowed to organise politically.

"Veterans associations registered under the Act must conduct their activities without any discrimination to gender, race, religion, origin, language, political inclination and any other views held by their members.

"Any veterans association that is involved in political activity, directly or otherwise, is in violation of this Act," the department said in its statement.

An ad hoc group of veterans said on May 4 that they have submitted an application to form Parti Kemakmuran Negara, with the intention of fielding 50 candidates in the next general election, including in any constituency where there are military camps and accommodations for veterans.

The group is led by Malaysian Air Force Association president Sharuddin Omar.

In the event the ROS does not approve of their registration, Sharuddin said, his party will field independent candidates.

Sharuddin Omar, seated in front.

In its introductory statement, Parti Kemakmuran Negara criticised BN, Pakatan Harapan and the Perikatan National government.

"Leaders who are corrupt, with no integrity, who are incompetent and cannot function as elected representatives - even if they are Malays - we will oppose them all the way.

"We veterans believe a new Malay order needs to be created to replace Malays who cannot help themselves even after ruling the country for 60 years," said the group.

The new party also accused the government of sidelining veterans.

Meanwhile, the department said the negative views expressed by Shahrudin and his cohorts were baseless and represented only those with a political agenda.

The department said the government had in 2020 and 2021 given out cash to veterans or their dependants numerous times.

Those affected by flooding in 2021 were also given special aid and another round of aid was distributed under a "back-to-school" programme, it added. - Mkini