DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the outcome of the review on the pension scheme, applicable for new civil servants, will also be implemented on individuals placed in the government service through political appointments.
The prime minister said this in registering his agreement with such a move. He said the affected political appointees would include ministers, mentris besar, and elected representatives.
He assured that there would be no problem in implementing the new policy on politicians, even if there is a decision not to provide any more pension payments.
"Whatever decision is set for civil servants also applies to politicians,” he said.
“This means that if we start (a new policy) on February 1, 2024, and all the new recruits are not pensionable, then the same would apply on all newly appointed politicians.”
Anwar indicated that he is aware of people asking why politicians should not be covered by any new pension ruling.
"In principle, I agree that whatever decision is made for the public service must apply on political appointments.
"However, this is to be finalised after the review is carried out and the cabinet decides," he said at a lunchtime press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
RM5 million for FAM
Anwar also announced an immediate allocation of RM5 million to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to manage the national football squad and improve its capability.
He said that the achievement of the Harimau Malaya team in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup in Qatar has showed their determination and refusal to give up.
He described the team's 3-3 draw with giants South Korea in a Group E match at Doha last night as amazing.
"The Harimau Malaya team showed determination and unwavering spirit, even after losing two matches. It was an amazing and great game," he said.
The team had in their earlier Group E matches lost 0-4 to Jordan and 0-2 to Bahrain. They are thus eliminated from the tournament.
However, it should be noted that the Harimau Malaya squad had ended a 42-year wait to qualify on merit for the Asian Cup.
Congratulating the squad for the performance, Anwar said he had considered Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh's suggestion on the matter.
The government has thus agreed to approve RM5 million to be channelled immediately to FAM, he said. – The Vibes, January 26, 2024
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