Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has suggested that the government review the benefits for elected representatives in light of the proposed abolition of pension schemes. He believes that it is unfair for elected representatives to be almost immediately eligible to receive pensions after serving only five years, while civil servants generally have to serve more than 30 years before being eligible.
Suhaimi, who was both the Libaran MP and a nominated assemblyman, emphasized the need for the government to consider the financial pressure it is currently facing and review the provision of pensions to elected representatives. He proposed that if the government is still intent on ending the pension scheme, it should apply to political appointees who are eligible to receive the scheme.
He also urged the government to conduct a review of the pension scheme, noting that the Umno Youth proposal on this matter was well received by various parties. Additionally, Suhaimi expressed agreement with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement regarding the Cabinet’s decision to agree to the appointment of new civil servants with permanent status who would no longer receive pensions through the new retirement scheme.
Suhaimi emphasized the importance of the new retirement scheme for civil servants with permanent status, stating that they will contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the government will contribute to contributors, similar to the private sector’s system. He highlighted that the existing retirement system would cost the government up to RM120 billion by 2040 to pay civil servant’s pensions, further indicating that the new retirement system for civil servants should also involve elected representatives to help reduce the incurred costs for the government.
