SIBU: The public should be rational on the federal government’s decision to abolish the civil service pension system, replacing it with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), viewing it from a long-term perspective.
Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing urged leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties to not exploit the issue for political gains.
“Everyone should understand the issue in its entirety to avoid being influenced by public opinion, or even opposing it for the sake of opposing without considering its the long-term impact,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Chinese New Year (CNY) gathering on Saturday (Jan 27).
Tiong said the government have to spend a large part of the annual budget to pay for the civil servant’s pensions which continues to increase every year.
Therefore, if a new system is not implemented, he said, the government will have to bear RM120 billion in pension expenditure in 2040.
The Bintulu MP said the funds used for the pensions could instead be used to support the disadvantaged, upgrade rural infrastructure and implement development plans.
“This will go a long way to create a bright future for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that reforms are inevitable to get the economy back on track and remain competitive in the global space.
“Of course, reforms will take some time. Any reform will go through a painful ‘teething’ period before it can proceed smoothly and achieve the expected results,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the gathering, the PDP president hoped that the party will remain close to the people and understand the issues facing the community.
“I believe that everyone must have many ideas about the current national economy, development prospects and today’s social conditions.
“I hope that you will discuss it with us and share your constructive opinions, and at the same time, at PDP, we will continue to serve the people.
“Your voice is also a reference for PDP to make timely adjustments in the direction of politics, and equally if not more important, is to strengthen the quality of public services for the people.
“I think if there is anything that is not done well enough, everyone can actively put forward their personal opinions and suggestions, and even some constructive objections,” he said.
