KUALA LUMPUR: The government is assessing the fiscal, economic and social impacts of raising the civil service retirement age from 60 to 65, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
“Determining a suitable retirement age will involve assessing the fiscal impact on the government in both the short and long term,” she told the Dewan Rakyat.
“Broader effects from economic, social, legal, political and technological perspectives will also be examined to ensure a holistic and balanced decision.”
She said the review, undertaken by the Public Service Department (PSD), was not limited to manpower considerations but would also take into account the short- and long-term implications for public finances.
Dr Zaliha was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN–Maran), who expressed concerns that this could restrict promotion opportunities for junior officers and exacerbate unemployment.
The proposal, she said, is part of the National Ageing Blueprint led by the Economy Ministry, which includes assessing the need for legal amendments to existing pension laws.
When presenting the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the retirement age will be reassessed as Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
