KUALA LUMPUR: With the average retirement age of Armed Forces personnel at 40 years, a major challenge facing these veterans is finding a new career path, says Defence Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang (pic).

       He said a number of them faced uncertainty on their future career.

       “There are no second career opportunities out there. For veterans to have a life equal to other citizens, they need a new income stream after retirement. And for that to happen opportunities must be there.

       “Those in their 40s will understand. Monetary commitments are high at that age, with their kids still in school and house and car loans still needed to be paid.

       “If you don’t have a steady income, how are you going to live? Then this will automatically put you in the B40 category.

       “After sacrificing their blood and sweat for the country, we discard them when they reach retirement age. We have to do something about this,” he said in an interview in conjunction with the 88th Armed Forces Day on Sept 16.

       Jen Affendi said the Armed Forces was addressing this issue.

       “It needs a holistic approach. For us, we have to prepare them through the mental attitude so that when they quit the Armed Forces, they are ready to face this next phase of their lives,” he said.

       On funding, Jen Affendi said it was imperative that the budget for the Armed Forces be maintained or increased.

       “Even when the Covid-19 pandemic subsides, the Armed Forces ATM will require the necessary funds to protect the country.

       “For operational expenditure, I feel it is important to maintain it. With or without the pandemic, threats are always there and I hope the government can give us priority in this.

       “If there are cuts, we understand and for new purchases we can delay until the economy recovers. But for us to operate day to day, I hope it is either maintained or increased,” he said.

       Jen Affendi said if Malaysia was not equipped to face threats to the security of the nation, it would destabilise the country.

       “There is no other way because we are system dependent.

       “In our operations, we need oil to work our vehicles; maintenance work must also be performed. All these require dollars and cents.”