In dismissing the call for a debate over the issue, the defence minister said it would not provide any solutions as any decision would have to involve the other ministries and ministers.

He was responding to a challenge by an army veteran during a gathering on Monday.

“So, if he (the army veteran) wants to debate, he should debate the entire Cabinet,” Hishammuddin told reporters after attending a soft launch of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition here today.

Hishammuddin also said the issue revolving around welfare was “not new” and that it would never be resolved with endless debates.

“It is more important to find a solution.”

On Monday, some 2,000 veterans gathered at Tugu Negara to demand a review of the pension rate and pension payments for those who had served in the armed forces for fewer than 21 years.

Currently, only those who have served for at least 21 years are eligible for a monthly pension.

The veterans said they were left with no other option but to assemble peacefully after eight years of attempting to use the right channels to air their grievances.

Hishammuddin went on to say that the veterans’ affairs department (JHEV) was looking into the welfare of the veterans and that he had instructed his deputy to look into the matter when he took over the ministry for the second time.

“Now, I am able to give full attention to the issues concerning our veterans. However, I hope they can understand that it is not only up to Mindef to decide on this matter,” he said, referring to the defence ministry.

Hishammuddin added that Mindef had already announced two initiatives for veterans when commemorating the 100th anniversary of the armed forces, such as derivative pension payments for widows and the establishment of an advisory panel to look into the registration of veterans.