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Helping Mukhtiar’s cause is his friend of over 40 years, Lt Col (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan. “His life and achievements are something that few soldiers can surpass. Mukhtiar’s case is something that I will definitely follow to the hilt. “He has contributed so much to the country and definitely deserves his pension,” he said. Currently, Mohd Idris is putting together a binder, which consists of articles of Mukhtiar’s achievements.

With this in hand, he plans to bring Mukhtiar’s story to light through the proper channels, by approaching members of parliament and the Prime Minister’s Department. For years, they have written letters and approached the Veteran Affairs Department at the Ministry of Defence. But the replies were always the same. Mukhtiar could not receive any pension because he did not attend the “Platoon Weapons” and the “Young Officers Tactics Course”, both of which were held just prior to Mukhtiar’s retirement from the army.

Moreover, the main reason he did not attend the courses was that he wasn’t aware of them as his name had been missed out by the Territorial Branch. “It’s sad to know that even a communist who fought against the country back then was rewarded better than I was,” said Mukhtiar. Recounting the story, he said the communist was captured by him, but rewarded RM15,000 as he was willing to provide information. “He bought two shophouses in Pudu with the reward money and has a comfortable life right now‚” said Mukhtiar And yet, recognition for Mukhtiar’s service for the country has been overlooked despite evidence of his dedication. Those who wish to know more about Mukhtiar’s story can visit the blogsite at renjervalour.blogspot.com or 7rangers.blogspot.com.The Malay Mail

It is a pity that a soldier of his stature is being treated so very shoddily, when billions of ringgit are being lost due to mismanagement and corruption. How much would this poor soldier's pension be? It would not even have a ripple when compared to the massive wastage of funds. Like for instance the glorifying of useless Mat Rempits, the (North Pole Free Fall) expedition is among the latest controversial moves by Umno to engage youths, especially mat rempit, in a series of baffling activities… . This includes a 50,000-strong carnival gathering which never took off, a road trip tainted by sex and booze allegations and a proposed programme to reward mat rempit for nabbing snatch thieves. Read all of it here. and some more here. Will this poor soldier ever get his pension?

Here are some direct links for those who just got to know about Police Inspector/Army Captain Mukhtiar Singh s/o Sodagar Singh. Here is a letter from Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Mohd Idris Hassan on a grave injustice done to an old soldier. A nice and honest article from the heart referring to him as Captain Courageous. About the time he was quick on the draw, resulting in a communist biting the dust. This time he manages to capture a live communist. A foreign citizen bemoaning, how shoddily we treat our heroic soldiers. Here is where 'The Malay Mail' first highlighted the plight of Police Inspector/Army Captain Mukhtiar Singh s/o Sodagar Singh's pension.

I hope someone up there is listening to the cries of this soldier who had served the nation, putting his life on the line for us Malaysians, for 28 long glorious years. His pension if given at all, will not amount to more than RM 600/xx, it will mean more, that his pride and his rights are restored, as a red blooded warrior of this nation. To which I may add is chicken feed, for a nation which produces black gold. A nation is only so great when it recognises the deeds of it's soldiers. The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten