Azalina: No need to review pension scheme

Pensioners receive monthly pension as well as enjoy medical benefits for life which is also extended to the spouse and children, says minister.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government pension scheme, including for the police and the armed forces is still comprehensive and fair, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said the government had no plans to revise the scheme, but would contemplate doing so if necessary.

“The pension scheme is considered fair as pensioners receive monthly pensions based on the length of service and last drawn salary; remuneration and compensation in monetary form as well as enjoy medical benefits for life which is also extended to the spouse and children.

“In addition, the government feels that two per cent increase in pension rates at the beginning of each year is reasonable and sufficient to help retirees deal with the increased costs of living,” she said when winding up the Supply Bill 2016 debate in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Azalina, who is also Pengerang MP informed the Dewan Rakyat that the government was always ready to review any proposals to improve retirees’ quality of life, and its implementation would depend on availability of government funds.
Touching on civil servants who were entangled with personal loans and facing major financial crisis, Azalina said the government had taken several steps to curb the problem, including the initiatives announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak when tabling Budget 2016 recently.

In the budget, the government has agreed to raise the minimum wage of civil servants to RM1,200 per month and to give a salary adjustment equivalent to one annual increment according to grade, effective July 1, 2016.

“In addition, from November 1, the government has agreed to raise the housing allowance at a minimum rate of RM300 a month,” she said.

Azalina added that the government had also allowed civil servants from the support group to go on outstation duty in compliance with Rule 5(3), Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, with the written consent of department heads.

– BERNAMA