KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the year of 2018 will be very challenging as many accusations are being composed and spread on social media more than before.
Hishammuddin who is also the Minister with Special Functions described the situation as “politically toxic.”
“Such news and stories in the social media will easily get the attention of emotional people. As such the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) staff should not to be easily swayed and taken in by certain quarters in the community who try to attack the Armed Forces’ institution, veterans and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF),” he told the media after delivering his “mandate speech” to 3,000 army personnel and civil servants at Wisma Perwira, here on Tuesday.
He emphasized “it is important not to be distracted by such allegations” as MINDEF have missions, plans, and a way forward to realize what has been promised.
In his speech, Hishammuddin also announced the seven initiatives granted to 11,000 civil servants working with MINDEF.
“The seven initiatives are being made after taking into consideration the suggestions forwarded to us by the people concerned. The demands of the civil servants are not that difficult compared to the requirements of MAF,” he said.
Among the seven initiatives are; 500 out of 3,500 houses that will be built in Sungai Besi under the Federal Territory House Initiative will be allocated to civil servants of MINDEF.
The initiative also includes organizing monthly Sales Carnival (MyBestBuy) to help civil servants of MINDEF to purchase their daily needs at lower prices compared to the market prices. MINDEF will cooperate with the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism and the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry to realize this initiative.
Children of civil servants in MINDEF are eligible to learn at 38 schools located in MAF camps throughout the country and also enjoy other education benefits including the School Ferry Initiative.
Civil servants of MINDEF are also eligible to get medical treatment at the Armed Forces Hospital and MAF Policlinics.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin also announced the two initiatives that were granted to the MAF families and the veterans.
The initiatives include forming a special scheme called Amanah Saham Bumiputera Zulu (ASB-Z). This special financing scheme is for MAF staff and veterans who are eligible to contribute in Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) only and it is done with the cooperation of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (BMMB).
A special fund for the Welfare of MAF Family Association (BAKAT) is formed to benefit 65,000 members who are wives of MAF families throughout the country. – Malaysia World News
