Zambry to abide by PM's decision over only one pension for politicians

 

Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said he would accept Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s decision regarding the pension scheme for politicians.

This comes after the prime minister said that politicians who have held several portfolios should be “morally responsible” by only opting for one pension scheme.

“If we have been directed to do it, we will. Whatever it is, we will wait for instructions from Anwar.

“We will serve in all capacities and make considerations (taking into account) all matters,” he told reporters after officiating the TVET Digital Skills launch in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar had said that he would leave the decision to opt for one pension to the individual’s discretion.

Zambry (above), who is a former Perak menteri besar, kept mum on which pension he would personally opt for.

The government is reviewing the public service remuneration scheme to introduce a new policy of non-pensionable permanent employment for the civil service.

The proposal is awaiting cabinet approval before being brought to Parliament.

Anwar had said that any decision following the review would also apply to politicians and political appointees.

However, existing civil servants and politicians who are eligible for pensions will not be affected.

PM Anwar Ibrahim

IPTS incentives

In a separate development, Zambry said that the ministry was willing to consider a proposal to increase incentive provisions of higher education institutions (IPTS) within the country, in next year’s budget.

He said this during a dialogue session at today’s event.

However, he said that the ministry would have to consider and refine the contribution of IPTS to the country before any decision on the matter is finalised.

“For example, (incentives in the form of) research grants that benefit various parties and not just certain universities can be considered.

“It is still too early for any announcement regarding this matter but we are open to further discussions,” he added.

Zambry also acknowledged and accepted a proposal by NGO Pertubuhan Badan Pemikir Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pemikir) to find new approaches to guarantee the marketability of TVET graduates.

Pemikir chairperson Muhamad Farid Saad urged for additional knowledge and training of its graduates to ensure that they meet the needs and demands of the market. - Mkini