Recently Kluang Member of Parliament Liew Chin Tong slammed Minister of Defence Hishammuddin Hussein for denying that an army camp was being built in Paloh, a state seat in the latter’s constituency of Sembrong. Liew Chin Tong implied that the army camp is being built for political purposes.
“This proves that Barisan Nasional (BN) is using these army camps to increase voters in constituencies that it won with thin majorities in the 13th general election,” Liew told a press conference last week.
He said the inclusion of the army personnel in Paloh would increase the electorate by over 1,000 voters.
“In Paloh, DAP lost only by a few hundred votes and these new voters will result in another BN win,” he added.
The fact is that while members of the Malaysian Armed Forces swears its allegiance to the Yang DiPertuan Agong, His Majesty’s Government (the Government-of-the-Day), and the Country, each member of the Malaysian Armed Forces are free to vote for whom they are politically-inclined to support. Therefore, having a military camp/base does not guarantee you any solid support for votes. I had written at length on this issue of allegiance in a recent blog post.
Perhaps it would be good for Liew Chin Tong to admit that he won Kluang against the Barisan Nasional in 2013 because of the presence of a huge army camp, namely Kem Mahkota, that houses the 61st Royal Artillery Regiment as well as the 881st Regiment, Malaysian Army Aviation.
Come to think of it, out of the 89 Parliamentary seats won by the then-Pakatan Rakyat during the 13th General Elections four years ago, at least 18 parliamentary constituencies have major military camps/bases in them. That is 20 percent of the total of parliamentary consituencies held by the Pakatan candidates. Here is the list that I have compiled:
Let us take for example the Lumut Naval Base which is under PKR. That base alone had 14,231 registered voters while PKR’s Mohamad Imran Abd Hamid won 40,308 votes. Why didn’t Barisan Nasional win there?
Perhaps Liew Chin Tong should also inform all Malaysians that out of the 18 constituencies with major military camps/bases that was won by the Pakatan back in 2013, eight seats were won by the DAP. That is 44 percent! Despite being the other “Malay” party within the Pakatan, PKR managed only seven seats or 38 percent. PAS could only get three then but one of those seats, Shah Alam, is now firmly under Khalid Samad of Amanah after he betrayed his oath to remain in PAS if nominated as a candidate and would divorce his wife if he jumps ship. Shah Alam is the home of a major Royal Malaysian Air Force base – Subang.
Pakatan and its supporters should just stop politicising the Malaysian Armed Forces. As towns and cities are developed, old camps and bases are no longer strategic nor conducive to be inhabited. How could Pakatan, advertising that it is all for rights and stuff, allow military personnel to live and work in deplorable and antiquated conditions? And as development creep into their surrounding areas, military bases are no longer of any strategic value. I have addressed this issue in a posting of mine and so has my friend Danny Liew in his recent posting.
So, wouldn’t DAP now like to offer a piece of land in constituencies held by it for Hishammuddin to build military bases or camps?
The Royal Malaysian Navy has recently laid the keel for the third Littoral Combat Ship (to be named Shariff Masahor after the Sarawak warrior who fought against the White Rajahs) at the Boustead Naval Shipyard in Lumut. This will be the third of six LCS planned by the RMN as part of its ’15 to 5′ transformation programme.
Dogged by having as many as 15 classes of ships with an average life of 15 years, the current RMN fleet is supplied by seven different nations, causing logistical and financial nightmares for the operators. As a result, the RMN cannot have the kind of force projection that it envisages.
The transformation programme allows the RMN to reduce its current classes to just 5 classes of ships namely the LCS, the Littoral Mission Ships (LMS), the Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), submarines, and the patrol vessels (PV).
The LCS, with its ability to perform complete multi-mission 3-D operations, will be the obvious class to spearhead the Royal Malaysian Navy. The six vessels, based on the Gowind 2500 corvette design, will fulfill the operational requirements in both the blue and littoral waters of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
All six vessels are and will be built at the Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS), which is a bit unorthodox given the need for a good project risk management as not to repeat the disaster caused by a previous builder. The GMD of Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation (BHIC), Vice-Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor TLDM (Retired) said that the project team from both BNS and Naval Group have taken the necessary measures to prevent such failure to occur in this project.
Commonality between classes is also key to the success of the 15-to-5 programme. Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman bin Hj Ahmad Badaruddin TLDM said that all the classes will have major items that are common to ensure the availability of vessels. Most importantly, these items are being supplied by 104 local vendors and that in turn has created thousands of jobs and endless learning opportunities for locals.
“The Navy is determined to show that not only does it give opportunities to local companies, but also help build the local defence capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign companies,” said Ahmad Kamarulzaman.
The Navy hopes to have up to 12 LCS, 18 LMS, four submarines, 18 PVs and three MRSS to fulfill its doctrine requirements. It is believed that the PVs will consist totally of the Kedah-class NGPV while two more Scorpene submarines will be acquired depending on the funding from the government. It makes a whole lot of sense to have the Kedah-class expanded as Malaysia is already in possession of the builder’s plans, while the acquisition of two more Scorpenes would be a lot cheaper as the infrastructure as well as logistics support are already in place.
In observation however, if all these vessels are already in service, there is only so many number of vessels that the Navy’s bases can handle at any given point of time. I believe that the PVs will all be deployed to the Second, Third and (soon) Fourth Naval Regions, with major assets such as the LCS and LMS divided between the First and Second Naval regions.
How The Royal Malaysian Air Force Fits In
Commonality is another goal the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) hopes to achieve. Recently, RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Dato Seri Affandi bin Hj Buang TUDM celebrated his first year as the service’s Chief. Although dogged with several incidents of crashes, it has not diminished his team’s aim to elevate the RMAF’s ability as a force to be reckoned with. Only the cut in defence budget has curtailed some of its plans for expansion. The withdrawal of the MiG-29Ns from the frontline has stretched its frontline capabilities too thin.
Although the reintroduction of the MiG-29Ns back into service was thought of as an interim measure before getting its direly-needed MRCAs, this was not agreed by the government as it does not want to see its pilots flying aircraft that may endanger themselves. This would also mean that the RMAF’s current LIFT, the Hawk 208s which are in their 23rd year of service, will soon have to go.
The 15-to-5 programme of the RMN would not mean much without sufficient air cover for the Navy to keep the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) open, especially between states in the Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak. The RMAF is already in the process of looking for a suitable replacement for the Beechcraft Super King Air B200T MPAs. If commonality is a key to this, then we would either see the Air Force acquiring either more CN-235s, or opt for a stretched version which is the CN-295. However, given the different powerplant of the CN-295, a MPA version of the CN-235 sounds most viable.
Combat Air Patrols, or sufficient and adequate air cover is also critical to the success of the RMN’s 15-to-5 programme. However, current number of aircraft available to perform the task is limited as only the Boeing F/A-18D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM would have the ability to get into the theatre in the shortest time compared to the BAe Systems Hawk 108s and 208s. Furthermore, the Su-30MKMs would have to undergo their 10-year maintenance and that would affect the number of availability.
As it is, the supersonic Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50/FA-50 LIFT cum light fighters are the most suitable for this role, as well as to take over the LIFT role from the BAe Systems Hawk 208s. I have written on the KAI T-50 in a recent article and still believe that other than its cost (said to be a third of a full-fledged fighter aircraft) the commonality that the KAI T-50 have with a type of aircraft that the RMAF is already operating is the Boeing F/A-18D Hornet as they use the same powerplant. Should the RMAF plan to acquire more of the Hornets, the T-50 would be the best option for the RMAF to consider acquiring as they can play the dual role of LIFT and advanced supersonic fighter far better than the Hawks ever could. The RMAF would be able to provide more capable birds in the air in a shorter amount of time while waiting for a much larger budget to actually acquire new MRCAs. The T-50s are combat-proven and have performed well in recent bombing missions against the ISIL-Maute group in Marawi.
Having the T-50s in Kuantan as LIFT/Advanced Fighters and as a advanced fighter detachment in, perhaps, Bintulu, would enhance the RMAF’s operational capability not just as a strike force, but also to provide air support for the Navy’s surface missions. The Chief of RMAF is well-known as a fighter and operations man, and is therefore the perfect person to make a case to fulfill the RMAF’s doctrine with the correct equipment needed by his frontliners.
Summary
The Royal Malaysian Navy is spot on when it decided to go with its 15-to-5 transformation programme that would see more lean-and-mean vessel types be introduced into the service. However, having a good surface capability without capable air support from the Royal Malaysian Air Force would limit its capabilities to keep hostiles away. Both services would need strong support from the government to ensure that force projection to deter opportunistic hostile forces can be achieved by both services.
Online “news” portal Free Malaysia Today (FMT) today published a story on the level of preparedness of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) if faced with a situation such as Marawi, and got an expert opinion to strengthen its story.
While FMT was talking about clearly refers to the recent statement made by the Chief of RMAF, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF, stating that the RMAF will be including urban warfare in its doctrine. This was a reply to a question by a journalist during the recently-concluded Exercise PARADISE 4/2017 in Kota Belud, Sabah.
FMT sought the expert opinion of a Dr Zachary Abuza, a political scientist at the National War College in Washington DC, who focuses on security and political issues in the region.
Dr Abuza instantly criticised the RMAF for not being prepared for urban warfare.
“RMAF’s training is based on preparing to face traditional threats. It’s birth was when fighting the MCP (Malayan Communist Party) in the jungles. It has never had to adjust its training.
“To me, this is understandable but reckless,” he said to FMT.
Abuza felt urban warfare preparedness and capability were still important.
“It’s not that the RMAF has to worry about an invasion, but what if a detachment of RMAF peacekeepers finds itself unexpectedly bogged down during an urban assault?” he was quoted by FMT to have asked.
It is clear to sharp readers that Dr Abuza referred to the RMAF as Royal Malaysian Armed Forces instead of the Air Force. Why would the RMAF have a detachment of peacekeepers anyway?
Therefore, it is forgivable that Dr Abuza had made such a criticism towards the RMAF as the Malaysian Army, which had numerous peacekeeping experiences under its belt. Although the RMAF and the Royal Malaysian Navy participate in peacekeeping missions, the main combat duties is shouldered by the Army.
And FMT being FMT, went to town and published the piece, hammering the Royal Malaysian AIR FORCE for not being ready for urban warfare.
The RMAF’s role in urban warfare is merely a support one, with the Army playing the main role on the ground. All the RMAF needs to do is to insert its Ground Laser Targeting Designator team into the combat zone and paint targets that are to be bombed by its fighters.
Other roles include dropping bombs or perform rocket strikes on targets marked by elements of the Malaysian Army, including interdiction strikes to cut off enemy supply and reinforcement lines, provision of air mobility in support of the Army Air Wing, or perform combat search-and-rescue of downed airmen.
The RMAF and the Malaysian Army have held countless joint exercises to enhance interoperability and coordination and it will take very little tweaking for the two organisations to operate in the urban environment.
Did FMT clarify its story before publishing? I doubt. Else we won’t see the faux pas today.
Pada hari Selasa bersamaan 12 Februari 2013, sekumpulan 100 orang bersenjata yang diketuai oleh Haji Musa, orang kanan Mohammad Ismail A Kiram, anak keempat kepada Muhammad Fuad A Kiram, seorang yang mengangkat dirinya sendiri sebagai Sultan Sulu, telah mendarat di Kampung Tanduo, Tanjung Labian, di daerah Lahad Datu, Sabah.
Menurut laporan asal, mereka berkumpul di sebuah rumah milik Ahmad Malandi, yang juga dikenali sebagai ‘Mat Bom‘ bukan hanya kerana beliau sering menggunakan bom buatan sendiri untuk menangkap ikan, tetapi juga kerana pernah menyerang sebuah pejabat FELDA di FELDA Sahabat dalam tahun 1990an dengan menggunakan bom ikan gara-gara tidak berpuas hati dengan pertikaian tanah pusaka dengan FELDA.
Saya pernah menulis bagaimana kumpulan pertama yang terdiri dari lima orang yang memakai jubah diiringi 27 orang memakai separa-celoreng telah medarat terlebih dahulu, diikuti sekitar 70 orang kemudiannya. Kesemua mereka bersenjatakan M-14 dan AR-15.
Pasukan keselamatan membuat tembakan di sebalik perlindungan semasa Op Daulat
Pasukan keselamatan telah mula bertindak dengan Polis DiRaja Malaysia menggerakkan dua kompeni dari Pasukan Gerakan Am, dan disokong oleh pegawai dan anggota Tentera Darat Malaysia dari 5 Briged Infantri. Rundingan dijalankan pihak PDRM untuk memujuk mereka meletakkan senjata dan menyerah diri kepada pihak polis. Malangnya, pada 1 Mac 2013 para pengganas Sulu ini bertindak bertempur dengan pasukan Komando 69 PDRM di Kampung Tanduo, diikuti dengan serang hendap terhadap pegawai dan anggota Cawangan Khas PDRM di Kampung Simunul di Semporna keesokan harinya. Pada 5 Mac 2013, peringkat ofensif oleh Angkatan Tentera Malaysia dan PDRM telah dilancarkan untuk menghapuskan para pengganas tersebut.
Salah seorang pengganas Sulu yang mampus ditembak oleh pasukan keselamatan Malaysia
“Kisah di Kampung Tanduo adalah kisah lama,” kata Ahli Parlimen DAP, Teresa Kok
Sungguh malang nasib balu dan ibubapa 10 orang para pegawai dan anggota PDRM dan ATM yang terkorban di Lahad Datu mempertahankan kedaulatan negara. Pengorbanan anak mereka, suami mereka, bapa kepada anak-anak mereka, diperlekehkan oleh mereka yang tidak berhati perut, hanya kerana kepentingan politik sempit mereka.
Salah seorang perajurit negara yang terkorban di Lahad Datu
Baru-baru ini dilangsungkan perbarisan penganugerahan “Battle Honour Daulat Februari 2013” di Kota Kinabalu. Selain untuk menganugerahkan unit-unit ATM yang terlibat dalam Op Daulat dengan “Battle Honour,” ianya juga adalah untuk memberitahu kepada rakyat Malaysia, terutamanya di Sabah, bahawa kerajaan tidak memandang ringan tugas mempertahankan kedaulatan negara, dan juga memperingatkan semua bahaya pencerobohan yang dilakukan sama ada untuk peperangan konvensional mahupun peperangan asimetri.
Perbarisan penganugerahan “Battle Honour Daulat Februari 2013” di Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu pada 11 Ogos 2017
Lewat ini kita sering dapati sesetengah pihak yang tidak bertanggung jawab menyerang integriti serta moral pasukan keselamatan dengan menghina dan merendah-rendahkan kebolehan serta aset yang dimiliki pasukan keselamatan. Mungkin mereka merasakan bahawa di dalam mana-mana peperangan, mereka tidak akan merasa sebarang kesusahan.
Kita ketahui terdapat anggota ATM dan PDRM yang tercedera dalam pertempuran semasa Op Daulat dilangsungkan tetapi tidak ramai yang mengetahui mahupun dapat menilai pengorbanan yang dilakukan oleh pasukan keselamatan kita untuk mempertahankan kedaulatan. Ini bukannya cerita ‘Combat‘ mahupun ‘Rambo‘ di mana heronya akan mendapat luka-luka kecil tatkala bertempur, tetapi ada yang tidak sempurna anggota dan fungsi tubuh badan setelah terkena tembakan.
Berikut adalah di antara paparan yang mungkin tidak pernah dilihat oleh rakyat Malaysia sebelum ini, tetapi saya rasakan amat perlu ditunjuk supaya kita faham erti pengorbanan pasukan keselamatan kita.
Seorang anggota keselamatan Malaysia yang tercedera ditembak diberi rawatan oleh petugas Kor Kesihatan DiRajaSeorang anggota pasukan keselamatan kita yang ditembak di dada diberi rawatan oleh petugas Kor Kesihatan DiRaja setelah peluru tersebut menembusi tubuh beliau
Sekiranya anda merasakan hanya para anggota keselamatan kita yang merasa pahit maung pertempuran, anda tersilap. Realitinya amat berbeza sekali.
Apabila hospital medan didirikan oleh Kor Kesihatan DiRaja di kawasan operasi, orang awam yang terdiri dari para penduduk di situ yang telah tercedera ditembak secara rambang oleh pengganas Sulu berduyun-duyun datang untuk mendapatkan rawatan kecemasan. Di antara mereka termasuk kanak-kanak dan bayi yang menjadi mangsa keganasan pengganas Sulu. Mereka langsung tidak berperi kemanusiaan terhadap para penduduk timur Sabah sedangkan mereka kata Sabah adalah hak mereka.
Seorang mangsa tembakan rambang pengganas Sulu mendapatkan rawatan setelah Kor Kesihatan DiRaja membuka hospital medanSeorang kanak-kanak juga menjadi mangsa kekejaman peluru pengganas SuluBayi yang tidak berdosa ini juga tidak terlepas dari keganasan para pengikut Kiram. Bayi ini telah kehilangan banyak darah semasa dibawa ke hospital medan ATM. Status bayi ini tidak diketahui sama ada selamat ataupun tidak
Rentetan daripada insiden di Lahad Datu inilah kerajaan mewujudkan ESSCOM untuk memantapkan kawalan keselamatan di timur Sabah. Menteri Pertahanan Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein berkata inisiatif terbaharu kerajaan ialah dengan menempatkan 7,000 anggota Tentera Darat dengan perlaksanaan Op Daratan, Op Balasah, Op Khas dan Op Pasir bagi mempertahankan daratan Sabah. Satu kompeni infantri Tentera Darat juga telah ditempatkan di kawasan Cenderawasih, Lahad Datu untuk memastikan kawasan pantai Lahad Datu terkawal sepenuhnya.
Tambah beliau lagi, inisiatif Trilateral Maritime Patrol (TMP) telah dilancarkan oleh Malaysia bagi memastikan mana-mana anggota militan termasuk Da’esh tidak menjadikan Laut Sulu sebagai laluan tikus untuk menceroboh masuk ke negara ini manakala inisiatif Trilateral Air Patrol (TAP) akan dilaksanakan dalam masa terdekat.
Jangan kita lupa siapa musuh kita. Jangan kita bersekongkol dengan mereka yang bersahabat dengan musuh yang tidak senang dengan kemerdekaan dan kesenangan yang kita kecapi. Jangan kita termakan hasutan politik kebencian (politics of hate) yang diamalkan oleh sesetengah pihak yang sanggup berbaik-baik dengan musuh untuk mendapat pengiktirafan mereka.
Musuh dalam selimut: Nurul Izzah bersama dengan Jacel Kiram, anak “Sultan” Kiram yang sehingga kini menganggap Sabah sebahagian dari “kerajaan” Sulu
Jangan kita lupa pengorbanan pasukan keselamatan kita. Jangan jadikan pemergian mereka, dan juga pemergian para penduduk yang menjadi mangsa kekejaman pengganas Sulu sebagai pemergian yang sia-sia. Berikanlah sokongan tidak berbelah bahagi kepada pasukan keselamatan kita, terutamanya Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, kerana musuh tidak membeza-bezakan di antara tentera dan rakyat Malaysia.
Kita semua adalah musuh mereka.
Berilah sokongan tidak berbelah bahagi kepada Angkatan Tentera Malaysia
Tatacara Skim Bantuan Bakti Negara (BBN)SOALAN-SOALAN LAZIM (FAQ) UNTUK BANTUAN BAKTI NEGARA (BBN)
Soalan 1 : Siapakah yang layak membuat permohonan BBN?
Jawapan 1 : Pemohon yang layak membuat permohonan BBN mesti memenuhi syarat-syarat seperti berikut:
Veteran ATM, iaitu Warganegara Malaysia yang telah berkhidmat sepenuh masa dan tidak pernah dibersarakan atau diberhentikan daripada perkhidmatan atas alasan salah laku dalam mana-mana Angkatan yang berikut:
Angkatan Tetap ATM;
Angkatan Sukarela yang dikerah sepenuh masa oleh ATM tanpa mengira tempoh perkhidmatan;
Force 136;
Tentera British yang berkhidmat di Malaya / Malaysia atau Singapura; dan
Sarawak Rangers.
Tarikh tamat tempoh perkhidmatan (TTP) sebelum 1 November 2017.
Bermastautin di Malaysia.
Tidak menerima sebarang pencen.
Veteran dengan jumlah pendapatan isi rumah kasar bulanan RM4,000.00 dan ke bawah (atau penerima BR1M).
Veteran yang berumur 60 tahun ke atas layak memohon walaupun bukan penerima BR1M.
Soalan 2 : Bilakah pemohon boleh mula membuat permohonan BBN?
Jawapan 2 : Permohonan BBN boleh dibuat mulai 31 Julai 2017 hingga 31 Oktober 2017 (tertakluk kepada pindaan dan pemakluman rasmi dari semasa ke semasa).
Soalan 3 : Bagaimanakah pemohon membuat permohonan BBN?
Jawapan 3 : Permohonan BBN dilaksanakan dengan cara mengisi dan menghantar Borang BBN sama ada secara dalam talian atau melalui borang (manual).
Permohonan Dalam Talian.
Permohonan BBN boleh dibuat melalui Portal Rasmi Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM (JHEV), http://bbn.jhev.gov.my. Permohonan dalam talian hanya boleh dibuat dengan menggunakan komputer sahaja dan simpan salinan permohonan bagi tujuan rekod pendaftaran. Aplikasi e-BBN tidak direkabentuk untuk capaian peranti mudah alih.
Permohonan Melalui Borang (manual).
Borang BBN boleh diperoleh secara percuma di lokasi berikut:
Portal Rasmi JHEV.
Ibu Pejabat JHEV / Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri / Persatuan Veteran ATM (PVATM).
Soalan 4 : Dimanakah pemohon boleh menghantar Borang BBN yang telah diisi dengan lengkap?
Jawapan 4 : Pemohon boleh menghantar Borang BBN di kaunter-kaunter berikut:
Ibu Pejabat JHEV.
Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri.
Pejabat Persatuan-persatuan Veteran ATM.
Nota: Penghantaran secara faks dan e-mel tidak akan diterima.
Soalan 5 : Apakah dokumen yang perlu dikemukakan bersama Borang BBN?
Jawapan 5 : Pemohon perlu mengemukakan Borang BBN bersama dokumen-dokumen berikut:
Salinan MyKad / MyTentera.
Salinan Buku Pengakuan Perkhidmatan (BAT D 86/92)/Sijil Berhenti Pasukan Sukarela ATM (BAT B 84) semua muka surat; atau Surat Pengesahan Perkhidmatan; atau Arahan Dokumentasi Persaraan/Tamat Perkhidmatan yang dikeluarkan oleh Jabatan Arah Rekod dan Pencen (JRP).
Salinan Kad Bekas Tentera/Kad Veteran (jika ada).
Salinan buku akaun bank persendirian yang masih aktif (muka surat yang tercatat nama dan no. akaun sahaja) atau penyata akaun bank.
Salinan slip gaji bulanan terkini atau bukti pendapatan.
Soalan 6 : Adakah pemohon perlu mengemukakan dokumen sokongan sekiranya pemohon telah menghantar Permohonan BBN secara dalam talian?
Jawapan 6 : Ya. Pemohon perlu mengemukakan dokumen sokongan yang diperlukan sekiranya menerima mesej peringatan yang dipaparkan semasa permohonan dalam talian dibuat.
Soalan 7 : Bilakah tarikh pembayaran BBN bermula?
Jawapan 7 : Pembayaran BBN akan bermula pada 4 Disember 2017.
Soalan 8 : Adakah ahli isi rumah / waris layak menerima BBN sekiranya veteran telah meninggal dunia?
Jawapan 8 : Tidak layak. BBN dibayar kepada veteran yang masih hidup sahaja.
Soalan 9 : Apakah jumlah pendapatan yang perlu pemohon melaporkan pada Borang BBN jika pendapatan terkini pemohon tersebut termasuk gaji bulanan, bonus dan elaun-elaun lain?
Jawapan 9 : Pemohon perlu melaporkan gaji kasar bulanan dan elaun-elaun lain kecuali bonus bagi semua isi rumah.
Soalan 10 : Apakah yang pemohon perlu melakukan sekiranya pemohon tersebut tidak mengisi nombor akaun bank semasa Permohonan BBN?
Jawapan 10 : Pengisian nombor akaun bank adalah diwajibkan bagi urusan pembayaran melalui Elektronik Fund Transfer (EFT).
Soalan 11 : Adakah saya layak membuat Permohonan BBN sekiranya saya hanya mempunyai Kad Pengenalan Lama dan tidak pernah membaharuinya?
Jawapan 11 : Pemohon perlu merujuk Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara untuk mendapatkan MyKad kerana Permohonan BBN mewajibkan penggunaan MyKad.
Soalan 12 : Adakah pemohon layak membuat permohonan BBN sekiranya pemohon tersebut merupakan Warganegara Asing?
Jawapan 12 : Bantuan ini adalah untuk Warganegara Malaysia sahaja. Warganegara Asing tidak layak membuat permohonan BBN.
Soalan 13 : Adakah pemohon layak membuat permohonan BBN jika pemohon tersebut tidak menetap di Malaysia?
Jawapan 13 : Tidak layak, bantuan ini adalah untuk Warganegara Malaysia yang menetap di Malaysia sahaja.
Soalan 14 : Jika isteri / suami pemohon juga merupakan bekas tentera yang tidak berpencen, adakah beliau layak membuat permohonan BBN?
Jawapan 14 : Tidak layak. BBN hanya dibayar sekali sahaja untuk setiap isi rumah.
Soalan 15 : Saya merupakan bekas tentera yang menamatkan perkhidmatan dengan tidak berpencen tetapi menyambung perkhidmatan dengan Kerajaan sehingga berpencen, adakah saya layak memohon BBN?
Jawapan 15 : Tidak layak. BBN hanya diberikan kepada mereka yang tidak menerima sebarang pencen.
Soalan 16 : Saya merupakan bekas tentera yang menerima pencen hilang upaya sahaja, adakah saya layak memohon BBN?
Jawapan 16 : Tidak layak. BBN hanya diberikan kepada mereka yang tidak menerima sebarang pencen.
Soalan 17 : Saya merupakan bekas tentera yang menerima pencen di bawah paras pencen minimum RM950.00 sebulan, adakah saya layak memohon BBN?
Jawapan 17 : Tidak layak. BBN hanya diberikan kepada mereka yang tidak menerima sebarang pencen.
Soalan 18 : Saya pernah berkhidmat dalam Askar Wataniah / Pasukan Simpanan Sukarela TLDM atau TUDM, adakah saya layak memohon BBN?
Jawapan 18 : Tidak Layak, hanya anggota Angkatan Sukarela yang pernah dikerah berkhidmat sepenuh masa sahaja layak memohon BBN.
Soalan 19 : Saya dibersarakan atau diberhentikan daripada perkhidmatan ATM atas alasan tatatertib / salah laku, adakah saya layak memohon BBN?
Jawapan 19 : Tidak layak.
Soalan 20 : Mengapakah BBN tidak diberikan kepada veteran yang berpencen?
Jawapan 20 : Veteran yang berpencen telah menerima pencen bulanan dan menerima Bantuan Khas Kewangan (Bonus) daripada Kerajaan setiap tahun.
LAIN-LAIN
Soalan 21 : Bagaimanakah cara saya untuk mengetahui status permohonan BBN?
Jawapan 21 : Status permohonan BBN boleh diketahui melalui cara berikut:
Portal Rasmi BBN di Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM (JHEV), http://http://bbn.jhev.gov.my.
Melalui e-mel berdasarkan alamat e-mel yang dikemukakan semasa permohonan terutama bagi permohonan yang berstatus tidak lulus.
Menghubungi JHEV di talian 03 – 2697 6600.
Hadir sendiri ke Ibu Pejabat JHEV / Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri.
Soalan 22 : Bagaimana cara untuk saya mendapatkan maklumat terkini, membuat pertanyaan atau aduan berkaitan BBN?
Jawapan 22 : Anda boleh mendapatkan maklumat terkini, membuat pertanyaan atau aduan melalui saluran berikut:
Hadir sendiri ke Ibu Pejabat JHEV/ Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri.
Soalan 23 : Jika seseorang didapati memberi maklumat palsu, apakah tindakan yang akan dikenakan?
Jawapan 23 : Seseorang yang didapati memberi maklumat palsu boleh disabitkan kesalahan di bawah seksyen 193 Kanun Keseksaan (Akta 574) dan boleh dikenakan hukuman penjara sehingga tiga (3) tahun dan denda serta disenaraihitam oleh Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia dari menerima BBN.
Soalan 24 : Maklumat saya telah digunakan oleh individu lain bagi tujuan permohonan BBN. Apakah yang perlu saya lakukan?
Jawapan 24 : Anda perlu membuat laporan polis dan kemukakan bersama salinan pengenalan (isi rumah), sijil perkahwinan / Sijil Kematian / Sijil Perceraian (jika berkaitan) ke Ibu Pejabat JHEV / Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri untuk tindakan selanjutnya.
Soalan 25 : Saya telah disenaraihitam oleh Kementerian Pertahanan, apa yang perlu saya lakukan?
Jawapan 25 : Anda perlu merujuk kepada Sekretariat BBN seperti berikut:
Bilik Operasi BBN
Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM
Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia
Aras 9 Menara TH Perdana
1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 KUALA LUMPUR
Hotline BBN : 03 – 2697 6600
Soalan 26 : Apakah tindakan yang perlu dibuat jika saya telah dimaklumkan permohonan telah diluluskan dan wang BBN telah dikreditkan ke dalam akaun tetapi semakan saya mendapati wang BBN tidak dikreditkan atau dikeluarkan oleh pihak ketiga?
Jawapan 26 : Anda perlu membuat semakan dengan pihak bank dan mendapatkan penyata bank terperinci berdasarkan tarikh transaksi pembayaran fasa berkenaan. Sekiranya:
Tiada transaksi kemasukan wang – aduan perlu dibuat ke Ibu Pejabat JHEV / Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri yang berdekatan dengan membawa penyata bank terperinci.
Wujud transaksi pengeluaran wang oleh pihak ketiga – laporan polis perlu dibuat dan kemukakan laporan polis serta penyata bank terperinci ke Ibu Pejabat JHEV / Pejabat JHEV Cawangan Negeri untuk tindakan selanjutnya.
Soalan 27 : Akaun bank saya telah dibekukan kerana diisytiharkan muflis / senaraihitam. Bagaimana cara untuk saya mendapat wang BBN tersebut?
Jawapan 27 : Anda perlu merujuk kepada Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia bagi mendapatkan kebenaran khas untuk pengeluaran wang BBN melalui akaun bank.
Soalan 28 : Apakah dokumen yang perlu dikemukakan semasa penunaian di bank bagi status gagal kredit ke dalam akaun?
Jawapan 28 : Tuan perlu membawa Surat Makluman Lulus / Gagal Kredit BBN dan Baucar beserta MyKad asal ke mana-mana cawangan bank yang mengambil bahagian. Salinan pendua tidak dibenarkan.
Soalan 29 : Apakah tindakan yang perlu dilakukan jika nombor akaun telah dikemukakan semasa permohonan BBN tetapi status pengkreditan adalah gagal?
Jawapan 29 : Surat Pemakluman Lulus / Gagal Kredit BBN dan Baucar akan diposkan kepada penerima untuk penunaian di mana-mana cawangan bank yang mengambil bahagian.
Soalan 30 : Saya pernah berkhidmat dalam Border Scout, adakah saya layak memohon BBN?
Jawapan 30 : Tidak layak. Border Scout tidak termasuk dalam perkhidmatan ATM.
Najib berkata kerajaan Barisan Nasional yang ada sekarang akan terus mencari jalan untuk membela nasib para veteran ATM – gambar hiasan oleh Roy Azis Abd Aziz, pemberita Muin,Amizul,Khairul,Syakir (Utusan,Kosmo)Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (VATM) yang sebelum ini memilih untuk menamatkan perkhidmatan mereka sebelum layak menerima pencen kerana telah sampai tarikh tamat tempoh perkhidmatan dan tidak lagi mahu menyambung perkhidmatan sehingga mencapai umur layak pencen.
Mereka bukanlah diberhentikan kerana melanggar undang-undang, tetapi telah mencapai tempoh minima yang diperlu mereka berkhidmat sebagai seorang tentera. Mereka diberi wang yang telah mereka carum dalam Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera, yang mana kerajaan juga mencarum sebahagian dari simpaan mereka ini yang akan digunakan untuk menyara kehidupan setelah meninggalkan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM).
Walaupun ramai yang berjaya tetapi ramai juga kecundang dalam kehidupan setelah keluar dari perkhidmatan ATM.
Kerajaan sememangnya ada membantu nasib VATM dengan bantuan-bantuan yang diperlukan seperti menanggung kos perubatan para VATM. Ramai yang tidak tahu bahawa kos perubatan mereka di klinik-klinik serta hospital-hospital kerajaan, isteri mereka serta anak yang masih ditanggung yang lahir semasa mereka masih di dalam perkhidmatan adalah ditanggung sepenuhnya oleh kerajaan.
VATM juga masih menikmati kemudahan pembelian dari kedai-kedai PERNAMA yang mana kebanyakan barangan dikecualikan dari cukai eksais, cukai kastam dan cukai jualan yang dapat membantu mengurangkan kos sara hidup, walaupun sudah lama menamatkan perkhidmatan.
Begitu juga dengan latihan-latihan serta kursus-kursus kemahiran yang diadakan secara percuma di PERHEBAT bagi membantu para veteran mendapat ilmu dalam bidang-bidang khusus di mana orang awam perlu membayar sekitar empat angka untuk mendapat sijil yang sama.
Malah khairat kematian dan bantuan sara hidup bagi balu dan anak-anak veteran ATM yang telah meninggal dunia yang memenuhi kriteria juga diberikan oleh kerajaan dan setakat ini lebih 5,000 keluarga telah menerima kemudahan ini.
Kemudahan ini dinikmati oleh seramai 288,952 orang VATM berdaftar setakat bulan Mei 2017, yang mana 118,371 atau 41 peratus adalah VATM berpencen manakala 170,581 atau 51 peratus adalah mereka yang tidak berpencen.
Paling kurang sejak empat tahun yang lalu setelah memperkenalkan Skim Veteran Tidak Berpencen 1 Malaysia (SVT1M), kerajaan cuba merangka satu lagi inisiatif yang baru untuk membantu nasib VATM yang tidak berpencen. Hasilnya, hari ini Perdana Menteri Dato’ Sri Najib Razak telah mengumumkan dua inisiatif baru – satu untuk pegawai dan anggota ATM yang akan menamatkan perkhidmatan tanpa berpencen, dan inisiatif yang satu lagi adalah untuk para VATM tanpa pencen.
Untuk mereka yang bakal menamatkan perkhidmatan tanpa berpencen, syarat-syarat kelayakan Skim Anuiti Veteran (SAVe) akan diumumkan oleh Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran (JHEV) kepada anda.
Untuk para VATM yang tidak berpencen, anda boleh melihat syarat-syarat kelayakan serta soalan-soalan lazim mengenai skim Bantuan Bakti Negara di sini – Bantuan Bakti Negara (BBN).
Bagi para VATM dari kalangan anggota tetap dan bekas anggota Wataniah yang dikerah sepenuh masa yang mana mereka berkhidmat kurang daripada 10 Tahun serta tidak menerima Pencen Perkhidmatan yang terpaksa diberhentikan awal daripada perkhidmatan akibat mengalami kecederaan dan kecacatan kekal sewaktu menjalankan tugas, sebelum ini mereka hanya menerima Skim Pencen Hilang Upaya sebanyak RM65 sahaja. Jumlah perolehan adalah berdasarkan kepada peratus kecederaan/hilang upaya yang dialami, pangkat dan gaji serta tempoh perkhidmatan ketika insiden berlaku.
Untuk golongan ini, Najib Razak mengumumkan penambahbaikan bagi Skim Pencen Hilang Upaya dan para VATM golongan ini akan mendapat kenaikan kadar pencen bermula antara 300% sehingga 800% untuk pembayaran pencen mereka. Ia melibatkan nilai minima dari RM500 sehinggalah nilai maksimum berjumlah RM2000.
Bagi VATM yang hilang upaya selepas menamatkan perkhidmatan pula, Insentif Veteran Kelainan Upaya yang diusahakan oleh Tabung Pahlawan PV ATM, Insentif yang selama ini berjumlah RM500 setahun dinaikkan kepada RM1,000 setahun yang mana pembayarannya akan dibuat dalam dua peringat setahun.
Lebih ramai juga VATM yang akan dapat peluang menunaikan ibadah Haji setelah Najib Razak mengumumkan kenaikan kuota jemaah Haji bagi VATM dari 100 orang sebelum ini kepada 400 orang setiap musim.
Selain itu, Menteri Pertahanan Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein mengumumkan bahawa selain bantuan-bantuan yang disalurkan melalui Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran ATM (JHEV) satu Call Centre juga akan diwujudkan di JHEV sebagai pemudahcara bagi para veteran serta keluarga untuk menghubungi JHEV untuk mengutarakan masalah yang mereka hadapi.
Najib Razak juga telah melancarkan Kempen Tabung Pahlawan 2017. Sebanyak RM1.85 juta telah disumbang oleh pihak korporat termasuk Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera, Weststar Sdn Bhd, Affin Bank, Boustead Plantations Berhad, Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Berhad dan Pharmaniaga Berhad.
Turut hadir dalam majlis tersebut termasuk Menteri Pertahanan Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan Dato’ Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum, pucuk pemerintahan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, dan Pengerusi Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tentera, Senator Laksamana Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor (Bersara). Turut hadir adalah lebih kurang 20,000 orang Veteran ATM iaitu lebih dari 15,000 orang Veteran ATM tidak berpencen yang dijemput.
General Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF, Chief of Air Force speaking to reporters at the ‘Media with RMAF Day’ recently. To his right is Lieutenant-General Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Mutalib bin Dato’ Haji Ab Wahab RMAF, Commander of RMAF Operations Command“We shall prioritise our needs and ensure that the sovereignty of this beloved nation is NOT compromised in any way despite the budget constraints.”
The above was said by the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), General Dato’ Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF when asked to comment about the effects of the budget constraints on RMAF operations.
“True to this year’s 59th anniversary theme which is ‘Kuasa Udara Tonggak Kedaulatan Negara’ (Air Power Pillar of National Sovereignty) the RMAF’s assets will always be ready in any situation and time to deal with any eventuality.”
The absence of any stop-gap measure since the RMAF took the MiG-29Ns offline, coupled with the lack of funds for the acquisition of new MRCAs have been worrying. Although the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has gotten its boost in assets with the purchase of six Littoral Mission Ships, the lessons of Force Z that ended some 47 nautical miles northeast of Tioman island must never be forgotten.
Force Z comprised of the brand-new battleship HMS Prince of Wales, the battlecruiser HMS Repulse, and destroyers HMS Electra, HMS Express, HMS Tenedos and HMAS Vampire. On 10 December 1941, Force Z was decimated by Japanese aircraft from Saigon with only the destroyers making it back to Singapore.
Lack of air cover and underestimation of the Japanese force were key reasons to its decimation.
The RMAF has been wanting for a new MRCA and the two strongest contenders are the Dassault Rafale and the Saab Gripen. There is a need to maintain the number of airframes to meet the doctrine. However, it does not seem as if the RMAF would be getting any in the near future.
This has prompted the RMAF leadership under General Affendi to bring the MiG-29N back online. “We will make sure that we have sufficient airframes to conduct the priority missions and not compromise our sovereignty,” added General Affendi.
A senior RMAF MiG-29N jock confided that it is very necessary to have the MiG-29N back online no matter the short-term cost of operating them.
“We’ll see probably six to ten of them flying missions soon,” he said.
“Maybe you’ll see the return of the Smokey Bandits at the next LIMA!” quipped another, referring to the RMAF’s MiG-29N aerobatic team that used to wow the crowd at previous Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibitions.
The MiG-29Ns will come back online to ensure that the sovereignty is not compromisedMost of the fighter squadrons are based in the Peninsular with only the No.6 Squadron based in Labuan operating the Hawks 208s. The Hawks have been succesful in intercepting foreign military aircraft in the eastern South China Sea.
“There has not been that many incursions by the Chinese. It’s the countries that are observing the Chinese that have made the most incursions,” confided another senior officer. “The Hawks are doing a good job at intercepting and directing them out of our airspace.”
Even so, the Hawks are limited in terms of endurance, firepower and range to perform such task. The squadron not only has to cover the development in the Spratlys but also the east of Sabah.
“You mean for ESSCOM?” I asked another senior officer.
“Not just there. To watch over the Ambalat area too,” he replied. “We could do with at least two G550 AEW equivalent to cover our waters and borders.”
Therefore, it makes real sense to have the MiG-29Ns back online, perhaps based in Labuan, while some Hawk 208s could go on rotational deployment at Sandakan for interdiction missions.
“The RMAF is also seeking to develop its capabilities especially in maritime patrol and the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” General Affendi explained. “We need to look for other longer-endurance aircraft and systems that is better than the Beechcraft that we have.”
The RMAF fleet of the Beechcraft 200T MPA have been reduced to just three aircraft after a crash on the 21 December 2016 killed the aircraft commander while two other aircrew survived with injuries. The Beechcrafts have been in service for almost two decades.
Asked if the recent offer by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) of its almost three-decades old P-3C Orions, General Affendi said that a team will be sent to evaluate the aircraft offered.
“It is not just about operating the aircraft but also the cost of upgrading if needed and maintenance as they are not new aircraft,” he replied. “We do need better MPA capabilities which is why we will scrutinise the JMSDF MPAs and compare them to purchasing and operating newer systems.”
The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces has offered Malaysia its decommissioned P-3C Orion MPAs (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)General Affendi thanked the government for its support and understands the constraints faced by the government as a result of a sluggish global economy. Nevertheless, he said that the RMAF would work within its means to ensure that all systems needed to monitor and intercept incursions as well as to carry out other missions such as Humanitarian And Disaster Relief (HADR) required from time to time.
“The Airbus A400M is a good buy. We can carry more load than the C-130Hs ever could and go places the (Boeing) C-17 (Globemaster III) cannot,” said General Affendi of the RMAF’s latest acquisitions. “Imagine how many stops the C-130H needed before getting to the Middle East. The A400M can fly straight to Dubai from here.”
The RMAF says its current strength of four A400M is sufficient to carry out foreseen missionsThe RMAF had brought 80 media practitioners from all over the country to witness the capabilities of the force. Performing Close Air Support displays were F/A-18D Hornets and Hawk 208s while a EC-725 Caracal helo inserted a PASKAU GFAC team to perform GLTD mission for the above aircraft before being extracted via SPIE-Rig method.
No matter the situation, the RMAF will fulfill its motto “Sentiasa Di Angkasaraya” and with a good leadership under the Chief, General Dato Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang RMAF, the RMAF will continue to be rejuvenated at 59.
Selamat menyambut Hari Ulangtahun Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia ke-59.
An F/A-18D Hornet makes an aggressive turn An Eurocopter EC-725 Caracal positions itself to extract the PASKAU GFAC team Three Hawk 208s orbit the airfield prior to landing A PASKAU GFAC team is extracted using the SPIE-Rig method
The Malaysian Army conducted its 2017 edition of the Firepower Training at the Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas with the aim to give exposure to 120 local and 45 foreign participants of the Malaysian Command and Staff Course on the Army’s manouverability and firepower, as well as the importance of ground and air-to-ground fire support planning.
The PT91M Pendekar Main Battle Tank firing its 125mm gun
A total of 1,690 personnel from the Army and the Royal Malaysian Air Force were involved in making this training a success. Assets involved include:
6 X 105mm PH L5 Pack Howitzer;
18 X 155mm G5 Mk III self-propelled Howitzer;
4 X ASTROS II multiple launch rocket system;
6 X PT-91M Pendekar Main Battle Tanks;
7 X ACV300 Adnan;
4 X AV8 Gempita;
2 X Agusta A109 LOH;
2 X Sikorsky S61A4 Nuri helicopters;
2 X F/A18D Hornets; and,
2 X BAe Hawk 208s.
In his speech, Major-General Dato’ Hasagaya Abdullah, General-Officer Commanding 3rd Malaysian Combined Arms Division welcomed guests and course participants to the firepower training. He added that commanders who consider employment of weapon systems should look at the doctrine and tactical concepts to ensure sufficient strength and correct calibre of systems are employed.
Major General Dato’ Hasagaya Abdullah, GOC 3rd Combined Arms Division
Among guests who attended the firepower training were the Chief of Defence Forces Yang Mulia General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi bin Raja Mohamed Noor, the Chief of Army General Dato’ Sri Zulkiple bin Hj Kassim, Deputy Chief of Army Lieutenant-General Dato’ Seri Panglima Ahmad Hasbullah bin Hj Mohd Nawawi, and Deputy Chief of Australian Army Major-General Richard Maxwell “Rick” Burr.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force was represented by Commander of 1st Air Region, Major General Dato’ Mohd Faudzi bin Ahmad RMAF.
Major General Rick Burr, Deputy Australian Army Chief greets Malaysian generals
Major-General Burr was accompanied by Defence Adviser at the Australian High Commission in Malaysia Group Captain Wendy Horder RAAF.
Later, General Dato’ Sri Zulkiple said that he was very satisfied with the training conducted and results of the training will be scrutinised to address any shortcomings. He added that despite budget constraints, he is thankful that the Government has provided sufficient funds for the upkeep and operating of available assets as well as for human capital development.
Two Sikorsky S-61A4 Nuris and a Agusta A109 LOH from the Malaysian Army Aviation, fly in formation above the Syed Sirajuddin Camp
The 18th Chief of RMAF flanked by his Deputy and Commanders at a press conference after delivering his Prime Directives
“I want all of us to work together to see how best can we meet our objectives even with budget constraints,” said the 18th Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), General Dato’ Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang TUDM to the officers, men and women of the RMAF after delivering his Prime Directives as the new Chief of RMAF.
General Affendi did not mince words when speaking to the audience about the tough times that the RMAF will face. “We must ensure that our assets and people are prepared and competent to undertake these challenges without compromising the integrity of the sovereignty of our nation, and at the same time be able to service the general population in times of need,” he added.
General Affendi thanked his predecessor General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM who has just retired for leaving a solid foundation for the former to work on to ensure that the RMAF remains relevant to the nation.
General Affendi then outlined the focus areas of his Prime Directive – Preparedness, Effective Maintenance Culture, Magnificent Human Capital Development, Technological Migration, Excellent Management Culture and Welfare.
Stressing especially on human capital development General Affendi said that trained next generation air force’s (AF-NG) personnel need to possess traits like intelligence, analytical, robust, IT-savvy, forward thinking and innovative. For this to be achieved, competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) will be given to all levels of personnel.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony General Affendi stressed that CBTA will complement real-life competency requirements, especially for the front-line pilots whose skills need of certain competency-level.
“The budget constraints will no doubt hamper us from carrying out many things. However, the RMAF has been thinking outside the box and have been adapting to the situation by emphasising on technology such as the use of simulators to complement actual flying for the pilots. This would allow us to maintain our levels of skills and readiness even with a dwindling budget,” he said.
“At no time will the RMAF allow for anything that would cause to undermine the sovereignty of the nation. That is the reason we exist and that is our main objective,” he said in reply to questions on budget constraints as well as the development in the South China Sea.
On the question of the floods in the East Coast of the Peninsular, General Affendi said the RMAF is closely monitoring the developments. As of yesterday, a EC-725 helicopter has been deployed to the Gong Kedak Airbase to assist with flood relief operations if needed. More helicopters will be deployed depending on how the situation develops.
RMAF EC-725 helicopter in action during the floods in the East Coast in 2014
On LIMA ’17, General Affendi said that the planning had commenced a year ago and the RMAF is committed towards providing the best air show. Foreign air display teams have been invited. However, there is no confirmation from any of the teams invited as of today.
On the question of assets procurement General Affendi stressed that although there is a budget constraint the Government has allowed the RMAF to plan for assets procurement including the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. These assets would be procured once the budget is there.
Earlier, a handing-over and taking-over ceremony took place for the Air Support Commander and Air Operations Commander posts. Lieutenant-General Dato Paduka Wan Normazlan bin Che Jaafar TUDM took over the Air Support Commander post from Lieutenant-General Dato’ Hj Abd Mutalib bin Datuk Hj Ab Wahab TUDM who in turn took over the Air Operations Commander post from Lieutenant-General Dato’ Sri Ackbal bin Hj Abdul Samad TUDM who is now the Deputy Chief of the RMAF.
General Dato’ Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang TUDM who is also the first RMAF Chief from Sarawak was given a guard of honour comprising of three RMAF officers and 104 other ranks from the RMAF Regiment led by Major Mohd Syafik bin Saadun TUDM.
General Affendi saluting the RMAF Regiment’s colour
In another step for Malaysia into strengthening ties with its neighbours, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) plays its part by strengthening its cameraderie with its Indonesian counterpart, the Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU).
Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku AlHaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah as the Field Marshall and Commander-in-Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces saw it fit to bestow upon the Chief of Staff of the TNI-AU, Air Chief Marshal Agus Supriatna, the honorary award of the Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera (PGAT).
To present the award on behalf of His Majesty was the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato’ Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Defence in Kuala Lumpur.
Air Chief Marshal Agus Supriatna saluting Dato’ Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum after receiving the Darjah Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera
ACM Agus began his military career in 1983 and became a A-4 Skyhawk pilot from the No.11 Squadron based at the Lanud Iswahjudi Madiun (Iswahyudi Air Force Base) in East Java town of Maospati in the Magetan Province. He was promoted to his current post in 2015.
ACM Agus who is on a two-day working visit to Malaysia also paid a coutesy call to the RMAF Chief, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM at the latter’s office.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers from the RMAF, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Malaysian Army as well as members of the TNI-AU delegation.
Good neighbours and brothers-in-arms: Chief of RMAF General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Roslan bin Saad TUDM having a chat with his TNI-AU counterpart Air Chief Marshal Agus Supriatna at the Ministry of Defence
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