Unreasonable to abolish pension for ex-Cabinet members, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (second from left) says the abolishment of pensions for ex-ministers is a constitutional matter and needs to be looked at closely.

PUTRAJAYA: Calls to abolish or reduce the pensions of former Cabinet members are unreasonable as the matter is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

“There are those who claim that the unity government will consider reducing pensions, that is not reasonable because this is a constitutional issue and should be thoroughly looked into and discussed,” he told reporters after chairing the Cabinet meeting.

Earlier, former Kangar MP Noor Amin Ahmad said the government could save between RM100 million and RM150 million every year if the pensions of ex-Cabinet members were abolished.

Anwar, who is finance minister, said for now, the only cost-saving measure that had been implemented was the cancellation of vehicle provision for former ministers.

“So far, that is better (because) it involves administrative matters and does not involve the constitution,” he said. - FMT