Rafique Ali Ahmad Nordin of Pertubuhan Pembela Pejuang Malaysia (PPPM) also described the claim as “preposterous”.
The former senior navy officer said that as an NGO that was set up to look into the affairs of veterans, the association would raise issues concerning them in its social media accounts.
“Of course, the pension issue is widely discussed as it is the biggest problem now.
“In any case, we have the right under the Federal Constitution to express our legitimate views and also the freedom of association. It is absolutely far-fetched to call our actions cyberbullying,” he said in a statement.
Yesterday, JHEV said it would file a complaint with the communications ministry and the Registrar of Societies over “cyberbullying” by PPPM and Pertubuhan Suara Patriotik Rakyat Malaysia.
The department claimed that these two groups had slandered it and its director-general, Semaon Marjuki, after it refused to meet the NGOs a few days ago over the pension adjustment. It also claimed the two groups had incited hatred against JHEV and Semaon.
Rafique reiterated that the group of 30 former armed forces officers who turned up at the department on Monday were there as individuals and did not represent PPPM. Some were not even members of the NGO, he said.
He also defended the decision to seek clarification over the pension adjustments with JHEV, as it handles affairs related to veterans and their pensions.
“What is so wrong about turning up at the JHEV head office to seek clarification on what is rightfully ours? We did not go there to stage a protest. Everything was peaceful and the cops who were standing by there can vouch for it,” he said.
He also claimed that Semaon had advised him a week earlier to cancel the NGO’s plan to gather at the head office, warning that the attendees risked arrest.
“I told him it wasn’t PPPM that was organising the gathering and that those who planned to attend were doing so in their own capacities as former servicemen,” he said.
Rafique also said Semaon’s claim that the group did not obtain a police permit to gather did not make sense as they went there as individuals and PPPM did not plan any protest.
“I am prepared to be investigated over the allegations. I also would like to remind the JHEV head that I have the right to seek legal redress over his serious accusations against me and PPPM,” he said.