05/06/2026

FRIDAY | JUNE 5, 2026

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Anwar dismisses talk of early general election

Veterans offered new route into civilian workforce PUTRAJAYA: About 5,000 military veterans retire each year, many of them still in their prime working years, and Malaysia can no longer afford to let that talent go untapped. To channel this skilled workforce into the national economy, the Transport Ministry and the Defence Ministry have launched a landmark collaboration that has already identified 3,208 immediate job vacancies across the transport and logistics sectors for retiring and veteran Armed Forces personnel. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the country risks losing a highly capable talent pool if no action is taken, noting that many retirees are still in their 30s and 40s. “It is a loss if they do not work or participate in national economic activities,“ he said, adding that many veterans face genuine financial pressures due to limited pension coverage. “These are individuals with families, responsibilities and children still in school. They need a second source of income after retirement.” Khaled said the government is restructuring military training to ensure personnel leave the service with skills that are relevant to industry needs, rather than being trained solely for military requirements. “Today, we are changing that. Training must be linked directly to industry needs so that when they leave the service, they are job-ready.” He also described the partnership with the Transport Ministry as a model that could be replicated across other ministries. “This is not only an opportunity with the Transport Ministry, but an example for others to follow.” Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the 3,208 vacancies span aviation, maritime, rail, logistics, public transport and supply chain operations, sectors whose requirements align naturally with military experience and expertise. “Whether in air, sea or land, the skill sets are very similar. The transition from defence to civilian sectors is a natural one.” Loke identified aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as a major growth area, citing Subang Airport’s emergence as a regional hub supported by increasing aircraft numbers, foreign investment and strong infrastructure. “We have the runway, hangars and cost competitiveness. Subang is becoming a centre for MRO services for Asean and beyond.” He said veterans are particularly well-suited for such roles because of their discipline, technical foundation and ability to adapt quickly to structured working environments. For veterans with experience operating heavy vehicles, the logistics sector offers an immediate pathway into employment. To accelerate the transition, the government will facilitate the conversion of military driving licences into civilian licences under the Road Transport Department system, including the E licence required for prime movers, at no cost to veterans. Previously, the process cost between RM4,000 and RM5,000. “We are removing barriers so they can enter the workforce faster,“ Loke said. Under the programme, selected veterans will undergo a six-month transition period, during which they will continue receiving military salaries while undertaking practical placements with industry partners. Upon completion, they will be absorbed into the civilian workforce at competitive market rates. – by Kirtinee Ramesh

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Prime Minister says government priorities remain on reforms and governance, not political manoeuvring

Meanwhile, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition would finalise its list of candidates for the 56 Johor State Legislative Assembly seats soon, with the names expected to be announced about a week before nomination day. Ahmad Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said the timeline would allow any issues arising in specific constituencies to be resolved early. “I will finalise the list of BN candidates for the 56 state legislative assembly seats in the shortest possible time. We will announce the names of the candidates, God willing, a week before nomination day. “This is to allow us to iron out any issues that may arise and resolve them early in certain constituencies,” he said after attending the monthly gathering of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry yesterday. automation and artificial intelligence, the focus must shift towards producing highly skilled and adaptable workers capable of meeting evolving industry demands. To address skills mismatches, the government is promoting a “Place and Train” model, under which training programmes are tailored to actual industry requirements and linked directly to employment. Ahmad Zahid said retiring military personnel represent a valuable talent pool for sectors that require discipline, integrity and operational experience. “The logistics sector, aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul, maritime industries and various service sectors require individuals with high levels of discipline. “I am confident military personnel can contribute significantly to these industries.” Several memoranda of understanding were signed between Perhebat and transport-related agencies, companies and industry associations to expand training, upskilling and employment opportunities for veterans and future retirees. The Road Transport Department will also facilitate the conversion of military driving licences to civilian equivalents for eligible retirees, easing their transition into the workforce. Malaysia is currently allocating RM7.9 billion to TVET programmes across 1,365 institutions under 12 ministries, with enrolment rising from 121,000 to 497,000 over the past two years. Ahmad Zahid said the government aims to strengthen TVET 2.0 to produce a highly skilled workforce aligned with industry demand. “We want veterans to remain part of Malaysia’s success story long after their service ends.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has brushed aside renewed speculation over an early general election, saying his focus remains firmly on governance and national priorities amid fresh political chatter following the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly. Speaking after launching the Energy Transition Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday, Anwar said there was no justification for unnecessary political manoeuvring when the government should be fully focused on delivering its reform agenda. “I don’t worry, I’m focusing on my job. The problem is some of these people don’t think of it. We should focus on the job,” he said when asked whether he planned to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for the 16th general election. PUTRAJAYA: More than 3,200 jobs in the transport sector will be reserved for retiring and veteran Armed Forces personnel under a landmark collaboration between the Transport Ministry and the Defence Ministry, a move Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described as a “game changer” for the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) agenda. He said 3,208 vacancies had been identified across key transport subsectors, including ports, logistics, rail, public transport, land transport and supply chain operations, offering BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

On whether state elections should be called unnecessarily, Anwar said such decisions rested with the respective state governments. “That’s their decision. We have our priorities and should focus on our work.” His remarks came amid heightened political attention following the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly earlier this week, a move that has fuelled speculation over whether it could signal the start of a broader electoral cycle or accelerate the timing of national polls. Under election laws, the Election Commission has up to 60 days from military personnel a direct pathway into civilian careers. “When an Armed Forces member retires, the nation does not lose a warrior. “Instead, the country gains an individual with extensive experience, strong discipline, resilience and valuable skills developed throughout years of service,“ he said yesterday at the Strategic Cooperation Ceremony between the Transport Ministry and the Defence Ministry to empower TVET for retiring and veteran Armed Forces personnel. “They have served the country. They have sacrificed for the country. They have defended the nation’s peace and sovereignty. “It is therefore our responsibility

the date of dissolution to hold a state election, meaning Johor voters are expected to head to the polls by the end of July. The upcoming contest will be the first state election since Barisan Nasional’s (BN) landslide victory in March 2022, when the coalition secured a two-thirds majority by winning 40 of the 56 seats. Pakatan Harapan won 12 seats, while Perikatan Nasional secured three and Muda one. The election is expected to set the stage for a closely fought multi-cornered contest, with BN, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional all signalling their intention to contest all 56 seats. to ensure they continue to be given opportunities to contribute after completing their service.” Ahmad Zahid said the initiative took shape three months after he chaired a National TVET Council meeting, during which the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) tabled the proposal. According to him, the move reflects the government’s whole-of government approach to addressing workforce needs while creating opportunities for veterans. “TVET is no longer a second choice. Today, it is one of the main drivers of national development, economic growth and future workforce development.” He added that in an era shaped by

Ex-servicemen to get priority access to 3,200 jobs

Ahmad Zahid, flanked by Loke and Khaled, witnessing the MoU exchange between Perhebat director-general Datuk Amir Md Noor and Infinity Logistics & Transport Sdn Bhd representative Loo Leap Hon. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN