STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED ON MAF VOLUNTEER FORCE INCENTIVES - MINDEF SEC-GEN

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 (Bernama) -- A comprehensive study will be conducted to review and enhance rewards and incentives for members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Volunteer Force who actively participate in training, said Ministry of Defence (Mindef) secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.

He said the study was among the measures aimed at fostering enthusiasm, drawing public interest to the MAF Volunteer Force, and enhancing the active participation of existing members.

“A study on the criteria for nominating recipients of honorary ranks also needs to be conducted to ensure that those appointed play a genuine role through strategic contributions and social capital impacting the MAF,” he said after attending the 19th Malaysian Volunteer Force Support Committee Chairmen’s Meeting (SPJP) at Wisma Perwira ATM today.

Lokman Hakim said that, in addition to matters relating to incentives, SPJP had agreed to hold a coordination workshop to better structure and empower the MAF Volunteer Force through a review of its policies, regulations, rules, allocations, administration, management, training and mobilisation.

He said the meeting had also agreed to step up initiatives and efforts to diversify more effective and efficient promotional methods, including the use of mainstream media.

In addition, Lokman Hakim said the committee would consider the need for the National Security Council (MKN) to become its permanent member to support the objectives of Comprehensive Defence through a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach.

He said that the SPJP viewed the MKN’s role as coordinator and manager of policies related to national security as being able to enhance the strategic ties between the state government and the MAF.

The 19th SPJP brings together 23 members, comprising chairmen of the State Support Committees or their representatives, and is being held for the first time since 2015, with the aim of renewing and strengthening the national coordination mechanism of the MAF Volunteer Force .

--BERNAMA