I read with concern the current proposal for a higher retirement age in Malaysia.

The details of the proposal have not been publicised yet and most of us are in the dark about it.

While the trade unions appear to be heavily consulted in the formulation of the policy, there are millions of other employees who are not members of trade unions and whose views may not be represented.

For those of us who have planned for retirement at the age of 55, is it being fair to make it mandatory for us to work until 60 (if that's in the new policy)?

Why should our EPF money be withheld until 60 (if that's the new policy)?

There are those of us who have done our retirement planning with dedication and foresight. We have adequate funds in our EPF account, and personal savings and investments, to retire at the age of 55.

We have planned our retirement for years, diligently doing our calculations, extrapolating the EPF contributions and dividends, carefully investing a certain percentage in mutual funds where applicable, spending modestly and never overextending ourselves.

We work hard to pay off our loans whenever possible, while avoiding incurring additional loans as we approach our retirement age of 55.

We are 100 percent sure that we have adequate funds for retirement at the age of 55. Why should we be asked to work until 60?

Why should we not be allowed to withdraw all our EPF funds at the age of 55?

In summary, for those of us who have planned for umpteen years, we demand that:

1. We are allowed to retire at the age of 55.

2. We are allowed to withdraw all our EPF monies at the age of 55.

3. We are allowed to withdraw one-third of our EPF account balance at the age of 50 (as the rules currently allow).

Let the government be forewarned that any attempt to force through the policy changes, without reasonable consideration for the above demands, is potentially damaging to its electoral chances.

There must at least be some room to allow for the above demands to be met, even though the policy to accommodate the higher retirement age is understandable in view of demographics and global trends.

There must be a policy for those who need to work till 60, but at the same time, there must be justice for those who are financially capable of retiring at 55.

The idea is not to force anyone to work one day longer than they need to.