Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan has extended a possible lifeline to recognise the contributions of Capt (Rtd) Mukhtiar Singh, 75, in light of his plight at being denied a pension after retiring from the Malaysian Armed Forces 30 years ago. While the Defence Ministry reiterated last Friday that Mukhtiar fell short of requirements to be eligible for a pension, Musa yesterday gave a glimmer of hope to the ex-serviceman, whose hero status was bestowed upon him during the 12 years, five months and four days he had served with the police.

“We understand Mukhtiar’s contributions deserve the recognition that is due to him and we will do our best to help him. “At present, I advise him to see us with all the documentation and particulars he has, dating from the time he was with the police. “In the meantime, we will check our records as to his status, such as the person who employed him, the kind of services agreement he had with the administration back then and whether he is enrolled with our pension programme before a decision can be made on what happens next,” he said in a telephone interview. When contacted, Mukhtiar expressed pleasure at the show of support from the police.

“It is good that they are stepping up to do something about my plight because it shows that they do recognise my services. However, if the police can do that, why can’t the Defence Ministry?” he asked. Mukhtiar had served as a Short Service Commission (SSC) officer with the armed forces for only for eight years, five months and 12 days — short of the 10 years required to qualify for a pension. As such, he was only eligible to be awarded a terminal gratuity of RM8,332.50. Prior to that, Mukhtiar had served as a permanent trainer with the Territorial Army Regiment for four years and 11 months and then as a permanent officer with the regiment for three years and six months, but was not eligible to be awarded terminal gratuity.

In 1982, the government approved a new regulation, which provided that a SSC officer could be a awarded service pension and terminal gratuity if he was to retire upon reaching the compulsory age of 50 and had served for not less than 10 years on or after July 1, 1980. This ruling could not help Mukhtiar to be eligible for pension because he retired on June 12, 1978. The only consolation the Defence Ministry can offer Mukhtiar is to review the terminal gratuity that has been awarded to him. The percentage for terminal gratuity has increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent under the Regular Forces (Pension, Gratuities and Other Benefits) Regulation 1982.

Chronology Oct 15:Malay Mail reproduces a letter written by Lt Col (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan highlighting Army Captain (Rtd) Mukhtiar Singh's plight which was posted on the Seventh Rangers blog (7rangers.blogspot.com)

Oct 17:
More details about Mukhtiar's plight emerge. He had been fighting for 30 years to be eligible for pension. Helped by his friend of over 40 years, Mohd Idris, who is putting together a binder which consists of articles of Mukhtiar’s achievements. With this in hand, Mohd Idris plans to bring Mukhtiar’s story to light through the proper channels, by approaching Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Department. For years, they have written letters and approached the Veterans Affairs Department at the Defence Ministry. But the replies were always the same — Mukhtiar could not receive any pension because he did not attend the “Platoon Weapons” and the “Young Officers Tactics Course”, both of which were held just prior to his retirement from the army.

Oct 20:
Words of encouragement pour in from Malay Mail readers. The well-wishers, comprising retired servicemen and civilians from all races and backgrounds, called on the authorities, in particular the Defence Ministry and Pensions Department, to recognise the role Mukhtiar played in safeguarding the country from the Communists during the Emergency.

Oct 22:
Mukhtiar's plight is highlighted in Parliament by Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong. After Parliament proceedings ended, Wee was approached by an officer from the Defence Ministry who asked for Mukhtiar’s service number, which would be referred to the Ministry’s Record and Pension Directorate. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry’s assistant director of public relations, Col Fadzlette Othman Merican, said a thorough investigation of Mukhtiar’s case was being carried out by its Record and Pension Directorate.

Oct 23:
Mukhtiar recieves an official response from the Defence Ministry rejecting his claim for pension, citing his non-attendance at two compulsory courses during his tenure in the armed forces. In addition, he was deemed not eligible as he had not served up to 21 years with the Armed Forces. This was because his years of service in the police force prior to joining the army were not taken into account.

Oct 24:After his rejection, the Veterans Affairs Department offers to to help with alternative means of financial aid. Indian Ex-servicemen's Association president Sgt (Rtd) T. Nagarajan contacted the Malay Mail to announce that the association would hold a meeting soon to discuss how it could assist Mukhtiar. While happy for the show of support, Mukhtiar replied: "The issue isn’t about me needing financial aid. It’s about getting recognition for my services to the country. For ex-servicemen like myself, receiving pension is proof of recognition for our contributions." The Malay Mail