BANGI, April 27 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is intensifying its transition programme for military personnel nearing the end of their service, with a target of ensuring at least 50 per cent of participants secure employment in the industrial and private sectors.

Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Mindef, through the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat), is now placing greater emphasis on industry-based transition training, with personnel required to undergo programmes aligned with current labour market needs.

Among the initiatives implemented by Mindef are the Prowira Readiness-to-Work programme, the Veteran Reskilling and Upskilling Programme, and the JanaVeteran Programme.

“(Previously) only 20 to 30 per cent of participants were able to secure jobs after completing (transition) training. We are targeting 5,000 personnel a year who are required to go through transition training prior to receiving pensions.

“We are targeting at least 50 per cent of them to obtain jobs in the industrial sector and private companies with decent income,” he said when officiating the First Convention of the Supreme Council of the Federation of Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans’ Associations (ATM) here today.

Mohamed Khaled said that the government was also funding diploma programmes for serving members in preparation for their transition after completing their service.

“The government pays the cost of obtaining a diploma amounting to at least RM6,500, and for this year, we are targeting 1,000 serving personnel to obtain a diploma,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled said that the government would also bear the cost of reskilling and upskilling programmes for veterans to enhance their marketability in the job market.

Speaking at a press conference after the programme, he said Mindef was working with companies such as Boustead Plantations Bhd to provide employment opportunities for veterans interested in venturing into agriculture.

“So there are various efforts, and we also have agricultural programmes that we will carry out with Boustead Plantation.

“Any veteran who owns land can take part in the Boustead Plantation programme to grow cash crops such as ginger and chillies, with Boustead buying the produce,” he said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has yet to decide whether it will contest solo or in collaboration with other parties in the Melaka state election, with party leaders keeping details tightly under wraps.

According to a report by Utusan Malaysia, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the matter remains an internal party decision and would not be disclosed at this stage.

“That is a party secret,” he told reporters after officiating the First Convention of the Supreme Council of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Associations Federation here today.

On another matter, Mohamed Khaled said the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative is not limited to bringing former Umno members back into the party but also serves as an open platform to attract youth participation.

He said the initiative is designed to make it easier for young people to get involved without being burdened by procedural barriers that may discourage entry.

“Rumah Bangsa is not just about bringing back those who were once Umno members, but a platform that makes it easier for young people to join without being tied down by processes that may be discouraging,” he said.

He added that the platform would also be open to anyone with ideas and suggestions to contribute towards national development.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin extended his greetings in conjunction with the 92nd anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), which will be celebrated today.

In a Facebook post, he said April 27 marks a historic date for the RMN, which serves as the nation’s maritime defence front in safeguarding national sovereignty.

He said the Ministry of Defence will continue efforts to enhance the RMN’s asset capabilities and operational readiness, while ensuring the welfare of its personnel remains a priority.

“On behalf of the nation, I extend my highest appreciation and gratitude to all officers, personnel and veterans of the RMN for their service, sacrifices and contributions in defending the country’s maritime sovereignty. Your services are always appreciated and will never be forgotten.

“May RMN continue to achieve excellence, remain steadfast at sea and be constantly blessed in carrying out its duty to the nation,” he said. — Bernama