KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — A total of 700 Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans were today awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) in recognition of their sacrifice and loyalty in freeing the country from the communist threat.
In a statement last night, Defence Ministry (Mindef) said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abd Aziz officiated the award ceremony held at Dewan Perwira, Wisma Pertahanan.
“PJM is only awarded to military personnel or former military personnel who meet the eligibility requirements such as having served or been involved in operations for three months and above or have served directly for not less than six months in any ATM team or formation from January 1, 1969 to December 2, 1989 for operations against the Malayan Communist Party (PKM).
“Other requirements include having served or involved in operations for three months and above or has served indirectly for no less than six months in any ATM team or formation between January 1, 1969 and October 17, 1990 for operations against the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU),” the statement said.
In addition, military personnel who were killed, injured or disabled due to duty against PKM between January 1, 1969 and December 2, 1989 or PKKU between January 1, 1969 and October 17, 1990 are also eligible to receive the medal.
Also present at today’s ceremony were ATM Headquarters Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad; Deputy Chief of Army Lieutenant General Datuk Seri Mohammad Ab Rahman; Deputy Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali; Deputy Chief of Air Force Lieutenant General Datuk Muhamad Norazlan Aris and ATM Veteran Affairs Department director-general Major General Zambery Jefry Darus.
As of today, a total of 33,632 ATM veterans have received the PJM medals, while eligible veterans who have not yet been awarded will be scheduled to receive them in future ceremonies.
— Bernama
