Veterans’ group denies ‘double-standard’ treatment at Putrajaya event

 

Pictures from the event were widely shared through social media.

PETALING JAYA: An armed forces veterans’ group has dismissed claims that veterans were left out to eat under the sun during an event in Putrajaya while VIPs, including a minister, were purportedly ushered into an air-conditioned room for lunch.

In a statement, the Veterans’ Association of Malaysian Armed Forces (PVATM) said those shown in pictures “eating out under the sun” were part of an earlier static parade celebrating the group’s centenary.

The statement said they were members from Kedah who were waiting to enter the Tunku Mizan Mosque for Zohor prayers followed by a tahlil ceremony.

PVATM said the members were later treated to a “Nasi Arab” lunch at the mosque’s hall.

“They were resting after taking part in a parade marking the group’s centenary. It is a big honour for them to participate in the parade as the Dataran Pahlawan grounds is only used to parade the colours of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the march past on Warriors’ Day,” it said.

PVATM said the VIPs, who included defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein, were feted to lunch at the banquet hall in honour of 27 veterans invited from the Asean region.

It said it was considering taking legal action against those who posted negative comments and to deter those trying to sully the group’s good name. - FMT