MALACCA - A former commando from the Terendak Army Camp here is seeking more than RM250,000 in damages for wrongful disciplinary action taken against him by the army in 2004.

Former lance-corporal Arman Amin, 35, who was attached with the Special Warfare Training School in Sungai Udang, appeared in chambers before High Court judge Mohtaru-din Baki yesterday for assessment of his claims.

He was stripped of his green beret and privileges in April 2004 and subsequently court-martialled the same year for alleged involvement in politics during the 2004 general election.

Arman, from Tawau, Sabah, who was based at the Terendak Army Camp since Aug 1998, was said to have acted as a counting agent for a political party at the Hang Lekir Hall in Tangga Batu during the election.

Although acquitted of the charge of breaching the army's Standing Orders on May 1 last year, he claimed that he faced continued victimisation and was not reinstated to his former unit.

Arman, who resigned from the army, filed a suit against the army's warfare school commandant, the army and the government on Aug 13, 2004 with the High Court deciding in his favour on May 22 this year.

Besides claiming RM250,000 for defamation, he is also seeking losses of monthly green beret allowance of RM375 and other incentives incurred since April 2004.

The judge fixed Oct 23 for assessment of damages.

Arman was represented by Lt Col (Ret) Syed Ismail Syed Omar while senior federal counsel Effandi Nazila Abdullah represented the Government.

When met outside the chambers, Arman said he was relieved that his ordeal is finally over.

"It was very difficult for me as I have five children to look after.

"When I was stripped of my green beret, I lost not only my pride but also my special allowances and incentives," he said. -The Star/Asia News Network