PM: Be 'morally responsible', reject more than one pension

Politicians holding several portfolios or positions in the government should be “morally responsible” by opting for only one pension scheme, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“The people who receive a minister’s salary, menteri besar salary, or even political appointees (will likely receive) three to four pensions.

“Seeing this situation, they should be morally responsible to reject other pensions and only keep one. But perhaps I will leave this (decision) up to them,” he said.

Anwar was speaking to reporters today at Zoo Negara’s 60th anniversary celebration.

He added that existing civil servants and politicians who are eligible for pensions will not be affected by the newly proposed public service remuneration system.

Previously, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali told Parliament that elected representatives could receive multiple pensions depending on their service under different acts, ordinances, or enactments.

“For example, a person who has served as a state elected representative will receive a pension under a state ordinance or enactment, and at the same time, can receive a pension as an MP if qualified under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980,” he said in a written reply.

The new policy of non-pensionable permanent employment for the civil service is currently awaiting cabinet approval before being brought to Parliament.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Should MPs have their pensions cut?

Anwar reiterated today that the review of the public service remuneration scheme will also apply to politicians and political appointees in the country.

Meanwhile, he declined to comment on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s jab against alleged payback against him and former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

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