Malaysian MP Calls for Better Veterans’ Healthcare and Cultural Change in Parliament

A Malaysian lawmaker has raised concerns about the healthcare system for military veterans and called for a change in what he described as an inappropriate culture among senior officers. The comments came during a parliamentary session in Kuala Lumpur, where he urged officials to address long wait times and improve services for former servicemen.

Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor, a member of Parliament, spoke up during Question Time about the struggles veterans face when accessing medical care. He described seeing elderly veterans waiting for hours at a military hospital to receive medication, sometimes for more than three hours. He stressed that veterans deserve respect and swift service after years of service to the country.

Khlir also criticised a practice he called the “hand-kissing culture,” where high-ranking military officials were seen kissing the hands of ministers as a show of deference. He argued that such displays are inappropriate in professional settings and detract from the serious work at hand.

“Children sometimes kiss the hands of their parents,” he said. “That is fine. But seeing generals kiss a minister’s hand in public is not right.” His remarks drew attention from other parliamentarians and shifted some focus onto norms of behaviour in official circles.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari acknowledged the criticism which he described as a reminder that all officials must follow their responsibilities. Adly explained that the Ministry of Health and the Veterans Affairs Department provide healthcare services to all veterans regardless of their pensionable status. The member of parliament assured his colleagues that current initiatives exist to implement better healthcare services for veterans while improving their overall assistance.

Adly observed that most veterans receive proper medical treatment although there exist some specific instances of treatment delays. He highlighted recent discussions he had with health officials which focused on enhancing service delivery to veterans who do not receive pension benefits.

The deputy minister shared information about financial assistance because he reported that more than 30000 pensionable veterans continue to receive medical treatment which costs the government millions of ringgit. He explained the budget distribution which includes funds for welfare programs and cost-of-living assistance which provides monthly payments to non-pensionable veterans as well as extra financial support to veterans who live below the poverty line.

The Parliament exchange revealed two issues which people raised about how veterans receive both their medical treatment and their cultural care. The government response to requests for better access to care and reduced wait times and improved support services will determine how veterans and their families view their treatment by the administration.