KAPIT: Bukit Goram Assemblyman, Jefferson Jamit Unyat announced a government grant of RM8,000 for Persatuan Veteran Angkatan Tenetra Malaysia (PVATM) Kapit branch when he declared open the association’s 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Meligai Hotel here last Saturday morning.
In his speech, Jamit said that the government recognised the contributions and sacrifices of members of PVATM in safeguarding the peace, security and sovereignty of the country.
“In recognition of the sacrifices, the government has taken various steps by establishing the Armed Forces Veteran Welfare Department (Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran Angkatan Tentera Malaysia). Hence, I urged all Armed Forces veterans to join their local PVATM branches,” said Jamit.
He added that PVATM Kapit Branch was formed in 1992 to register all army veterans.
“The government will provide welfare assistance, living allowance, health care insurance, children education and others to all PVATM members. Although you have retired from active service, the government has never forgotten your contributions and sacrifices. You still play an important role in the community.
Many of you have been appointed community leaders because of your experiences and leadership qualities.
In fact, you are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the government to maintain peace and security,” Jamit told the more than 150 PVATM members present.
Jamit also pointed out that the appointment of former chairman of PVATM Kapit, Wilfred Billy Panyau as Temenggong for Kapit Division is a pride and recognition for PVATM.
“This is one of the ways that the government appreciated your contributions to the community,” he said.
He also called on PVATM members here to be proactive in carrying out activities for their benefit and welfare and to encourage those who have yet to register with the association to do so to enable them to enjoy the privileges and benefits as members.
On the other hand Jamit also called on the Veteran Affairs Department Sarawak to go to PVATM branches in the state to look into their needs and welfare.
On the AGM, Jamit hoped that the members would give their full support to the leaders that they have selected to lead them.
In response to the request by PVATM Kapit to speed up the issue of the construction of the housing lot for the association at Jalan Bukit Goram, Jamit said the government is looking into the matter and urged the members to be patient.
Meanwhile, after serving the association for 25 years as chairman of Kapit branch, Wilfred Billy Panyau who was recently appointed Temenggong decided to step down to give others the chance to lead the association.
“I served as chairman of Kapit branch since 1992, 25 years ago when it was formed. I am stepping down because I want to concentrate on my job as Temenggong. Although I am stepping down, I am still a member. As long as we all work together as a team, our voice would be heard. As an army veteran, we must continue to uphold high moral values, discipline, honesty and integrity,” said Billy.
Also present were Director of the Veteran Affair Department Sarawak, Lieutenant Colonel Dunging Anak Serit, acting chairman of PVATM Kapit, Tuai Rumah Baja Anak Rawing, former PVATM Kapit chairman, Temenggong Wilfred Billy Panyau, PVATM Sarawak representative, Councillor Sulaiman Nyandang, PVATM secretary, Jeffery Usa Dana, heads of government departments and more than 150 PVATM Kapit and Seri Kandi members.
