A PROPOSAL to raise the retirement age for Malaysian civil servants from 60 to 65 has sparked widespread public opposition, with many arguing it would deepen financial strain on lower-income workers and limit prospects for the younger generation.
The idea was floated earlier this week by Minister of Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who suggested that the government should consider 65 as the new benchmark, citing longevity and the rising proportion of older Malaysians.
“Maybe the government should look at 65 years as the new retirement age because many (who reach) 60 are still young and the proportion of 60-year-olds in the population is growing,” Azalina said, noting that Malaysian judges already retire at 65.
She clarified that the proposal reflected her personal view, not official policy.
Her remarks have reignited debate over how Malaysia should respond to an ageing population and a shrinking workforce, even as economic anxiety continues to mount.
Critics argue that older Malaysians often do not enjoy the financial security or robust health that might justify working longer, especially in lower-paid sectors.
“In my profession, colleagues as young as 55 have started taking time off from work for medical appointments. If the retirement age is increased, they will spend 10 more years with worsening conditions,” South China Morning Post cited teacher Akmal Husin, 42, saying as he criticised the generalisation that most seniors remain healthy.
Online, many echoed the sentiment that 60 is a fair age to retire after decades of public service.
Former police officer turned pilot, Ezairol Rezan Zainol, dismissed the idea that most Malaysians aged 60 are still physically capable of working. “Sixty is a time to hand over power and responsibility to those who are younger. Enough is enough,” he wrote.
SCMP cited the backlash also reflects broader concerns about job scarcity and wage stagnation, particularly among younger Malaysians. While the national unemployment rate stands at around 3 per cent, youth unemployment remains stubbornly high at roughly 10 per cent, according to the World Bank.
Malaysia’s working population, just over 16 million out of 34 million people, is under increasing economic pressure. Bank Negara Malaysia recently reported that more than two-thirds of Malaysians struggle to raise RM1,000 (US\$234) for emergencies, and fewer than half feel financially prepared for retirement.
Economist Aimi Zulhazmi suggested that the economic rationale for the proposal is understandable, as many older Malaysians face mortgages and rising living costs. “Many want to continue working beyond 60 as long as the body permits,” he said.
Still, Aimi proposed a differentiated retirement policy: “This is to allow younger generations to have an opportunity to rise up the ranks.”
Yet among younger professionals, frustration is mounting. Some said that even when older colleagues remain in the workforce, they are often resistant to new technologies and defer complex tasks to juniors.
“They always come up with excuses, saying I’m not familiar with this system, why don’t you young people do it,” one social media user commented.
For content creator Hasrol Husain, the issue is not merely economic but also moral.
“Let them rest, worship, spend time with their families, and enjoy their remaining years,” he wrote. “The younger generation should be given the space to carry on the nation’s development.” - May 22, 2025
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