Appointment as wardens allow ex-servicemen to continue serving society
Army deputy chief Lieutenant General Datuk Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim said such initiatives would not only help curb disciplinary offences in schools but also provide valuable second career opportunities for retired military personnel and veterans.
"We welcome agencies willing to take in veterans as part of their workforce. After serving more than 20 years, many retire at around 40 or 41, and there is still a wide job market open to them.
"Their experience in discipline, physical training and mental resilience can be put to good use in serving the public," he told reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course (APAC) Series 2/2025 at the Drawbridge here today.
He added that the army remained committed to equipping its personnel for "redeployment" into national and community development roles after retirement.
Earlier, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that former military and police personnel would be appointed as full-time wardens in all Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) boarding schools.
The move, he said, was aimed at tackling bullying and other disciplinary issues, while ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
In a Facebook post, Asyraf said the first group of full-time wardens, comprising ex-servicemen and police officers, would begin duty at MRSM Besut and MRSM Balik Pulau in Penang on Monday.
Separately, Tengku Muhammad Fauzi stressed that the army would not compromise on cases involving personnel accused of misconduct that tarnished the image of the military or the country.
He said those involved in wrongdoing would face justice under both civil and military law, regardless of rank.
"We will give full cooperation to enforcement agencies in their investigations. Anyone found guilty will be brought to justice. There are no special privileges in the army.
"In fact, we are bound by two sets of laws — military law and civil law. No matter how senior the officer, if an offence has been committed, action will be taken," he said when asked about reports linking senior army officers to a smuggling syndicate.
On Thursday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remanded 10 people in connection with the syndicate, including five senior army officers and two journalists from a news portal. A company manager, an administrative assistant from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), and a foreign woman were also detained.
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