BERA: A special fund of RM200,000 has been allocated for the Ex-Police Association of Malaysia and another RM100,000 for the Pahang Ex-Police Association in appreciation of the retirees' services, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the provision was also to ensure that the welfare of retired police personnel would continue to be protected as they had helped to maintain national security while in service.

"Whenever matters regarding retirees are being raised, they (retirees) always want to hear what is there specifically for them, but the government has already announced various business loans, such as the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun) which has been allocated a large sum to cover everyone including retirees.

"Actually, the government had announced several training programmes under Socso, HRD Corp, but it was not mentioned specifically for retirees, so the group has never been left behind," he said when officiating at the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Pahang Ex-Police Association here today.

Ismail Sabri also informed that tax exemptions are given to individuals and corporate bodies that contribute funds to non-profit associations or bodies such as the Malaysian Ex-Police Association.


Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri hoped that police retirees would continue to defend the government as they did while in service, as long as the ruling government has not deviated in any way.

"The nation's front line that takes care of security and defends the government is the army and the police and while on duty they stay loyal to the oath and faithfully serve the government.

"However, when they are no longer in service, it's different... as long as the government has done no wrong, there's no reason to have a change of heart in defending the government. I hope members of the Ex-Police Association will be with me now until after the (15th) general election," he said.

The prime minister said that if Barisan Nasional is given the opportunity to continue to govern the country, the 2023 Budget will be presented again and all aid and initiatives tabled would be implemented for the benefit of the people.

"The 2023 Budget is already comprehensive, with a different government we don't know what the budget would be like," he said.

-- BERNAMA