SERDANG: Pensioners are still considered assets to the country although they may no longer be serving in the public sector said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said as of June last year, there were a total of 778,894 pensioners in the country, including 483,684 from the Public Service Department (PSD).
"Every year, the government spends more than RM20 billion in pension payment and is also committed to provide reliable healthcare and conducive environment for pensioners.
"As life expectancy increases, so will the pension payment and every year three per cent of government servants will become pensioners. This is why the theme of our event today is 'Pesara Aktif, Negara Sejahtera (Active Retirees, Prosperous Country)," he said before launching the 1Malaysia Civil Service Retirement Support (1Pesara) assembly here today.
Zahid also said when government servants retire; they must express their 'opposing views' in ways that are civilised and tactful, as prescribed by various religions and conventions.
"As pensioners who are no longer under the cocoon of 'saya yang menurut perintah' (I who obey orders), differences in opinions can be celebrated but it must abide by religious and spiritual teachings.
"We know that when one reaches the age of 60, one becomes more sensitive. Our spirits become more fragile and we take to heart when people disagree with us," he added.
Zahid urged pensioners to be thankful to the government and not "bite the hands that feed" them.
"Our rezeki (wages) will not receive barakah (blessings), if we never feel satisfied with what we have, which will then breed the feelings of anger and hatred.
"To be grateful to Allah, we must be thankful to those who provided us with livelihood and protection, and in this case it is the organisations we serve and the government," he told the pensioners.
Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and PSD director-general Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman.
The two-day event also hosted various activities which saw some 7,500 attendees. There were talks, panel discussions and exhibitions from various agencies from both the public and private sector.
During the launch, Zahid handed over wheelchairs to five selected retirees, excellent service medals to seven upcoming retirees and appreciation certificates with benefits to seven retirees.
He also launched the Beautiiful Life for Seniors programme, aimed to help senior citizens (aged 60 and above) to lead a productive and meaningful life.