MINDEF-MOE To Discuss Second-Career Opportunities For Armed Forces Veterans

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is set to hold talks with the Education Ministry (MOE) on involving Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans in security roles at schools and district education offices nationwide.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that for now, the ministry has engaged with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), through the Veterans Affairs Department, to recruit veterans as hostel wardens.  

“As a start, two Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) in Besut, Terengganu, and Balik Pulau, Penang, have launched a pilot project.

“They have appointed eight external wardens, two men and two women at each campus,” he said during the winding-up debate on MINDEF’s allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Dewan Negara today.

He added that the ministry continues to explore sustainable initiatives to enhance the welfare of MAF veterans, including providing them with second-career opportunities.

In a separate matter, Mohamed Khaled said the five senior MAF officers recently arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for allegedly leaking operational information to smuggling syndicates have been suspended from duty to allow for a transparent and independent investigation.

He stressed that MINDEF would not compromise on any misconduct involving the officers if they are found guilty, while assuring that the incident would not affect the overall structure and operations of the Armed Forces intelligence unit.

“This is because the MAF intelligence organisation adopts a system of compartmentalisation of information, where databases and strategic information are deliberately segregated to prevent leaks, with regular internal security audits in place.

“It includes background checks or security vetting of officers and personnel, as well as continuous efforts to strengthen integrity and professionalism within the intelligence corps,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled added that such measures help reduce the risk of intelligence personnel being exposed to manipulation or exploitation by vested interests, particularly those seeking to shield criminal activities.

He further emphasised that all classified defence information is tightly secured through strict safety protocols, such as closed communication networks and secure systems, layered access controls, encryption technology, and continuous network monitoring.

“With that, MINDEF assures that national security remains under control, unharmed and uncompromised,” he said.

Also winding up debates on the 13MP today were the Works Ministry, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, and Human Resources Ministry.

The Dewan Negara sitting will resume tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA