'Govt should resolve targeted subsidies first, not pension scheme'

 

PARLIAMENT | The government should focus on delivering targeted subsidies before making any decisions on abolishing the pension schemes for civil servants, said Willie Mongin (GPS-Puncak Borneo).

He pointed out that the adjustment of the pension scheme would not solve the country’s financial issues as the government must pay civil servants enough to prevent competition with the private sector and other countries.

“Before making the decision, it is necessary to deal with the leakage problem in the country and implement targeted subsidies first because it is the main cause of our country's financial problems and not abolish the pension scheme that has been enjoyed by public servants,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Willie (above) also urged the government to exclude civil servants working in education, healthcare and security from the abolishment of the pension scheme.

He called on the government to think outside the box in seeking new income streams, citing the example of Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg in significantly increasing the revenue of his state.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in January that the proposal of non-pensionable permanent employment for the civil service was awaiting cabinet approval before being brought to Parliament.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, 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.

Unity subject in school

Willie also requested that the National Unity Ministry and Education Ministry team up to introduce a new subject for school students called “Perpaduan Negara Malaysia” (National Unity of Malaysia).

The subject should be made compulsory for all students from standard one to form five, he said.

He went on to express his opinion that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should be included in history textbooks so that all Malaysians are informed about the rights of Sabah and Sarawak.

The struggles of East Malaysians in fighting for the sovereignty of the country must also be included, he added.

"I also suggest that the Unity Ministry prepare a special corner in every museum across the country to showcase the history of Malaysia's existence with complete factual explanations about the MA63 agreement starting this year so that all Malaysians are aware of this matter,” he said. - Mkini