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Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Retired MAF personnel lose pension adjustment appeal as Court of Appeal rules in government's favour
PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — The Court of Appeal today allowed the appeal by the government and three others to overturn a High Court's ruling that had previously favoured 50 retired Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel in a pension adjustment dispute. In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel chaired by Justice Datuk Hashim Hamzah ruled that the military personnel failed to prove that the Malaysian Government, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and the Malaysian Armed Forces Council had breached the provisions under the Federal Constitution. 'We find there is merit in the defendants' appeal that warranted appellate intervention,' said Hashim, who sat with Justices Datuk Wong Kian Kheong and Datuk Ismail Brahim. The judge said the defendants cannot be said to be breaching Article 147 of the Federal Constitution as they have not placed the plaintiffs in a less favourable position. The court allowed the appeal with no orders as to legal costs. Wong, who wrote a supporting judgment, said two documents namely Garis Panduan Pelaksanaan Pindaan Syarat-Syarat Perkhidmatan ATM dated January 17, 2013, and Surat Pelaksanaan Kesetaraan Pangkat dan Penambahbaikan Jadual Gaji Minimum Maksimum bagi Perkhidmatan ATM di bawah SSM dated March 14, 2013, were not salary adjustment but were amendments to the terms of service for serving members of the MAF. He said that the objective is to improve the salary scheme for serving members and not to discriminate against retirees who retired before January 1, 2013. Wong also said that there was no unequal treatment between pensioners who retired before January 1 and those who retired after January 1, 2013, as pension adjustments were not made for retirees after January 1 that year. On February 5 last year, the High Court ruled that all military personnel who retired before January 1, 2013, are entitled to have their pensions adjusted to the rates and methods applied to the retirees who retired after January 1, 2013. The 50 military personnels of various ranks filed an originating summons in the High Court on November 17, 2022, seeking a declaration that the government had violated the provisions in Federal Constitution read together with Section 187 of the MAF Act 1972 for their respective failures to implement new pension adjustments for the MAF retirees who retired before January 1, 2013. They claimed that the government's failures to implement the pension adjustments had caused a significant pension gap between the MAF retirees who retired before January 1 and those who retired after January 1, 2013. In today's proceedings, Federal Counsel M. Kogilambigai appeared for the government while lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla represented the retired personnel. After the court proceeding, Haniff Khatri told reporters that he would study the court's grounds of judgment before deciding whether to bring the matter up to the Federal Court. — Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
514 MAF personnel, veterans awarded diplomas under R-PEL this year
SUNGAI BULOH: A total of 514 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel and veterans have been awarded the Malaysian Skills Diploma this year through the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (R-PEL) programme. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the R-PEL initiative was introduced by the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) in 2017, allowing MAF personnel and veterans to obtain a diploma upon completing their service. According to him, R-PEL is a certification programme in collaboration with the Skills Development Department that recognises the experience, skills, and achievements of MAF veterans during their service, based on the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS). He said that MAF veterans can continue to contribute to the nation through various other means. 'The development of human capital and the socio-economic wellbeing of MAF veterans must be treated as a strategic priority that deserves serious attention,' he said when officiating the Malaysian Skills Diploma Award Ceremony under the R-PEL programme and the PERHEBAT Certificate presentation at Sungai Buloh Camp here today. Mohamed Khaled stated that PERHEBAT will continue to provide training, exposure, and skill development as part of its efforts to assist soon-to-retire MAF personnel, adding that this year alone, 3,473 MAF personnel nationwide completed transition training. He also urged PERHEBAT to ensure MAF veterans can live independently, securely and productively by providing robust and effective transition training. 'PERHEBAT must also enhance its engagement with the industry and job market and transform itself into a more agile, transparent and performance-driven institution,' he added. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry, in a statement, said that Mohamed Khaled is expected to witness the signing of eight memoranda and notes of understanding between PERHEBAT and industry partners today in areas such as job placement, entrepreneurship opportunities, and training programmes. 'These MoUs and NoUs involve Boustead Petroleum Marketing (BHPetrol), the Johor Royal Military Force, Maxis Broadband, TAB Security, Kamatech Automotive & Engineering, Hexide Engineering, AMS Caddy Academy, and Nur Lembah Pangsun Eco Resort,' read the statement.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to continue leading role in regional diplomacy, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will remain steadfast in the face of global challenges and continue to play its role as the catalyst and leader of regional diplomacy through the Asean 2025 Chairmanship, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the country is firmly anchored amid challenges such as geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs. "Malaysia is among the earliest countries to act in protecting the interests of industry and businesses and the welfare of the people. "Comprehensive and inclusive strategic measures have been taken, with the involvement of various parties to ensure the country remains economically stable and competitive," he said in his congratulatory speech in conjunction with the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, here on Monday (June 2). His Majesty also presented federal awards, medals and honours to recipients at the 2025 Investiture Ceremony held to commemorate the occasion. Also in attendance was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. The Prime Minister described the recent 46th Asean Summit as the best in the grouping's history, where Malaysia as the Chairman successfully brought together member nations as well as China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. "The Asean Summit and the organisation of Lima'25 (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) prove that teamwork is the key to our efforts to make the nation's aspirations and ambitions a reality. "The excellence of the Malaysian Armed Forces in Langkawi as well as the greatness of the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) and the entire government and private machinery in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur are impressive," said the Prime Minister. He also expressed confidence that Visit Malaysia Year 2026 would be a catalyst for economic growth and to increase job opportunities. In addition, Anwar said increasing agricultural yields and local products, Malaysian-made goods and the resilience of the domestic industry continue to be pillars that strengthen the country's economy. "The people's unwavering support for these initiatives shows high national spirit and awareness of the importance of self-reliance amid the uncertain global situation," he said.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Royal regalia reflect cultural legacy
HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim may now serve as King of Malaysia but his Johorean roots remain firmly woven into royal protocols, attire and traditions that set him apart from his predecessors. In Malay royal traditions, regalia are not just ornaments but 'instruments of authority' and symbols that convey a Ruler's source of power and sovereign rule. Johor Council of Royal Court president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli said each Malay Ruler has his own set of regalia reflecting the customs of his state. 'Royal regalia are instruments of authority, meaning that they exhibit the source of power of the Ruler. Each state Ruler has his own regalia, including Sultan Ibrahim, as His Majesty is also the Johor Ruler. 'However, there are subtle differences between his state regalia and that of the federal throne as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,' he told The Star in an interview. As the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim's official ceremonial dress is known as the Muskat, complete with a royal headdress, buckle and short dagger, which are part of the royal regalia. The Muskat is a long, black robe adorned with golden embroidery and its design is inspired by the traditional outfits of the people of Oman and Kedah's baju sikap – the official dress of the state officials. His Majesty often dons the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces at official events, reflecting his military background. — Photos from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page The King also wears a royal headdress known as Tengkolok Diraja, made of black songket embroidered with gold thread, complete with a royal buckle and keris. Affixed at the front of the royal headdress is a platinum ornament in the shape of a crescent and a 14-pointed star with Malaysia's coat of arms in the centre. Abdul Rahim pointed out that there are subtle contrasts between federal and Johorean royal traditions in attire. 'Although His Majesty's forefather Sultan Abu Bakar designed the baju Melayu teluk belanga, that attire is not used as the official ceremonial uniform. 'With Johor being a modern state, Sultan Ibrahim wears a tunic and military cap. His Majesty also carries a sword instead of a keris due to his military background,' he explained. As the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces, Sultan Ibrahim is also often seen wearing a variation of ceremonial dress representing different branches of the army, police or the Johor Military Forces, complete with berets. In terms of royal regalia, there are similarities and differences in the federal and state instruments. The royal regalia of the Agong includes two royal sceptres known as Cogan Alam (Sceptre of the Universe) and Cogan Agama (Sceptre of Religion). Cogan Alam, a silver mace measuring 162.66cm, is headed with an orb on which a crescent and a 11-pointed star made of gold are surmounted, symbolising Islam as the main religion of the country. The orb is decorated with the crests of the 11 states in the peninsula. These are also made of gold and supported by four tigers symbolising national bravery. The shaft features six stalks of paddy carved in gold. Meanwhile, the Cogan Agama is 155.04cm long and made of silver. The item consists of a large, conical head with a five-pointed star made of gold mounted on a long shaft. Quranic verses are embossed on the headshaft. Abdul Rahim noted that Johor's royal regalia also includes the Sceptre of Universe, marked by a crescent and star symbolising Islam, while the Sceptre of Religion has a head shaped like a betel leaf with the names of Allah and Prophet Muhammad written in Jawi. 'One key distinction since Sultan Ibrahim ascended the federal throne is the use of royal umbrellas. Previously, the kings were shaded with a yellow umbrella during ceremonies and the inspection of guards. 'But since Tuanku became Agong, this practice has stopped. In Johor, royal umbrellas are always closed as His Majesty feels that an unfurled umbrella creates distance between the Ruler and the people. He wants the people to feel close to him, true to the saying of rakyat dan raja berpisah tiada (the people and the king are inseparable),' he added. In another departure from conventional federal protocol, the practice of angkat sembah, where both palms are held together at the forehead to salute or greet the king, is no longer done. 'A simple bow is sufficient,' said Abdul Rahim, citing a long-standing Johor tradition that avoids hand clasping. Other differences can be seen in the royal court music – Istana Negara uses nobat while Johor relies on its military brass band for ceremonies and royal functions, another reflection of its modern roots. Even colour schemes at the federal palace have changed since Sultan Ibrahim's reign. Previously, yellow was the dominant colour at Istana Negara as it is traditionally linked to royalty. 'In Johor, blue is associated with the royal family as it reflects the colours of the state flag. Now, the carpets at the palace in the capital city have been changed to blue in a firm nod to Johor's identity,' he said. As someone who has served five generations of the Johor royal family – from Sultan Ismail to the present Raja Muda of Johor Tunku Iskandar (first son of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail) – Abdul Rahim said Sultan Ibrahim ensures Johor's traits are maintained even when His Majesty is the King. 'These are subtle but meaningful differences,' he added. While the regalia and royal customs may differ between federal and state, what remains constant is His Majesty's love for Johor and commitment to serving the people, both as their state Ruler and as King of Malaysia.
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Armed Forces Starlight III humanitarian mission returns from Myanmar
SUBANG: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Starlight III team returned home on Sunday (June 1) night after completing a 38-day humanitarian mission in Myanmar following a major earthquake there on March 28. Two air force A400 aircraft carrying 69 personnel, comprising officers and personnel of various specialisations including the Forward Anaesthesia and Surgical Team (FAST), the Royal Engineers Regiment (RAJD), and Safety Team, landed at the Subang Air Base at 8.30pm. The official welcoming ceremony was officiated by the armed forces headquarters Chief of Staff Lt Gen Datuk Azhan Md Othman in recognition of the team's dedication and sacrifice in carrying out the humanitarian mission under the Malaysian Field Hospital banner. Also present were armed forces health services director-general Lt Gen Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh, air operations commander Lt Gen Datuk Masro Kaliwon, and joint forces headquarters Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis. The MAF in a statement said Operation Starlight III reflected Malaysia's concern and solidarity with the people of Myanmar affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Sagaing and five other regions, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock that was also felt in neighbouring countries including Thailand. The humanitarian mission was led by Col Dr Ahmad Farhan Ahmad Fuad as operations commander. It was officially activated on April 18 when the team was deployed to Sagaing to establish the field hospital. The field hospital began full operations on April 21, providing Level 2 medical services to local residents affected by the natural disaster. It treated 3,562 patients and conducted 493 surgical procedures, demonstrating the MAF's efficiency and compassion in delivering emergency medical aid in disaster zones. - Bernama
