KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Adnan Mat, has criticised talk of abolishing pension schemes for public servants, saying it should be considered a privilege for those who serve the public.
He said that any proposal to eliminate or delay pension benefits for public servants in the country in the future should not be raised. It should not be viewed as a burden on the government but rather as recognition for the contributions made throughout their service.
No politician, he added, should question the privilege of public servants who receive pension schemes, especially when the majority have served for over 30 years.
"Public servants are unlike politicians, who serve for shorter durations, receive higher allowances, and are entitled to generous pensions.
"Some public servants are currently receiving pensions of approximately RM1,000 per month, despite having served for 30 years," he stated in a recent statement.
He also mentioned that pensions for public servants should not be compared to the pensions given to members of parliament, elected representatives or individuals appointed as ministers and deputy ministers.
"Cuepacs and public servants themselves have never been envious or questioned about the pensions received by any honourable members.
"In fact, there are some among them who receive more than two pensions, even though their service period is much shorter than public servants.
"It should be suggested to provide only one pension (the highest one) to honorable members if they want to assist the government to save money," he said.
He emphasised that Cuepacs would not compromise on any proposal to reduce the existing privileges held by current public servants, including pension matters.
"Public servants sacrificed for the country, dedicated more than 30 years to meagre pensions, and suddenly there is a proposal to eliminate them.
"Throughout their service, salaries are not high, and now, even after retiring, many are still questioning the pension benefits they receive," he said.
Yesterday, former Rembau member of parliament, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, in the Keluar Sekejap podcast, agreed with the suggestion to abolish pensions for parliamentarians.
He also proposed the elimination of pensions for billions of public servants to help balance the country's fiscal situation, as the government may bear up to RM50 billion for public servant pensions in the next 10 years if they are not abolished.
Previously, Muar member of parliament, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, also agreed with the proposal to abolish pensions for all ministers and parliament members and include them in the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contribution scheme instead like the rest of the working force.