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Seeking flexibility in their jobs and not low wages was the reason for non-bumiputras to shy away from joining the Armed Forces (ATM). Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said it cannot be the low wages factor as even a cadet’s basic salary was around RM1,400, excluding service, cost of living allowance (cola) and housing allowances.
From the 101,630 Armed Forces personnel in service, 88.8 percent or 90,254 are Malays, 9.3 percent or 9,411 others, 1.3 percent or 1,316 Indians and 0.6 percent or 649 Chinese, said Abu Seman when answering a question by Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) who wanted to know the involvement of various races in the Armed Forces.
The basic salary mentioned above is after the salary review last year I guess. If include all the allowances, it would reach at least RM1800. For a job that involves less expenses, its a good salary. Probably can save 50 – 60% of it. But really, is RM1800 enough? For those with high ambition, it certainly won’t be. Once married, the expenses will increase, so one will consider the career prospects. Plus with Chinese and Indian having less children per family, the thought of their children entering the army may not bode well with the parents. Of course this is merely my assumption.
I also think its a combination of factors. Those who do well in exams will opt for the standard jobs – doctor, engineer, IT, accounting, law, architecture, science, etc. Those who did badly may not qualify for a job in the army. For the smaller population of Indians and Chinese, that doesn’t leave many candidates left.
However, by glamorising the army and through intake of students via National Defense University,it is possible to attract more recruits especially in the officer levels.
If its about money, career in army is not the answer. If its about wearing a uniform and serving the country, then yes, its a good choice.
