Raise retirement age gradually, says Bukit Gasing rep
Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran threw his support behind Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said’s suggestion to raise the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65.
However, he said it must be done gradually as it demands a balanced and comprehensive approach.
Summary
Bukit Gasing assemblyperson supports the idea of raising retirement age from 60 to 65, but suggests it be done gradually.
Rajiv Rishyakaran says it demands a balanced and comprehensive approach.
Bukit Gasing assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran threw his support behind Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said’s suggestion to raise the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65.
However, he said it must be done gradually as it demands a balanced and comprehensive approach.
“The discourse surrounding Malaysia’s mandatory retirement age is of paramount importance, directly impacting our nation’s economic landscape, the well-being of our senior citizens, and the employment prospects of our younger generations.
“It is a multifaceted issue that demands a balanced and comprehensive approach, taking into account all existing mechanisms, global trends, and future needs,” he said in a statement today.
Rajiv also acknowledged Azalina’s viewpoint on the continued contributions of healthy and active senior citizens.
“It is undeniable that many Malaysians above 60 possess invaluable experience and a desire to remain productive. Their continued engagement can certainly benefit our society.”
He further clarified the crucial flexibility already embedded within the current system, where individuals already have the option to retire at the age of 55 and withdraw their Employees Provident Fund savings at that point if they choose to do so.
“This flexibility already exists for those who wish to step away from full-time employment earlier and transition into a different phase of life.
“Conversely, a gradual increase in the mandatory retirement age would serve to provide an invaluable option for those who desire to continue working beyond 60.
“This is about offering choice and preventing the automatic termination of employment for productive individuals when they hit 60, allowing them to remain active contributors to the economy and society,“ Rajiv emphasised.
Retiring at 60 ‘a loss’
Azalina previously expressed her personal view that it would be a loss to make people retire at 60 when many senior citizens today remain healthy, active, and capable of contributing to the workforce.
Bernama reported her as saying that in some countries, including Asean member states she has visited, law ministers continue to serve into their 70s, and judges are allowed to remain in office until the 65 or even 70.
In response, Amanah Youth said Azalina’s proposal for extending the mandatory retirement age flies in the face of the country’s economic and social landscape.
Its deputy chief Danial Al-Rashid Haron called on the minister to consider reintroducing the previous 55-year-old limit instead.
In Malaysia, the mandatory retirement age for government employees is set at 60. This is also the minimum retirement age for private sector employees under the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012.
