Azalina suggests government raise retirement age to 65
PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has suggested that the government consider raising the mandatory retirement age from the current 60 to 65, noting that many senior citizens today remain healthy, active and capable of contributing to the workforce.
Expressing her personal view, Azalina said it is a loss to make people retire at 60 when they are still energetic and productive.
'Maybe the government should look at 65 years old (retirement). It is my personal view, not the Cabinet's view. Some of the officers that we have met are still young (at heart) and are active. It is just that they reached (mandatory) 60 years old,' she told reporters after attending the ministry's 2024 Excellent Service Awards Ceremony and 'Jasamu Dikenang' (Your Deeds Remembered) 2025 event here today.
She added that in some countries, including ASEAN member states that she has visited, law ministers continue to serve into their 70s, and judges are allowed to remain in office until the age of 65 or even 70.
In Malaysia, the mandatory retirement age for government employees is currently set at 60. This is also the minimum retirement age for private sector employees under the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012.
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The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Thailand enforces border controls to safeguard communities amidst rising tensions
BANGKOK: Thailand must enforce border control measures, granting local operational units the discretion to ensure the safety of border communities, the Foreign and Defence Ministries and the Royal Thai Army jointly announced on Saturday (June 7). Following border tensions between Thai and Cambodian troops in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani on May 28, Nikorndej Balankura, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Information, stated that Thailand must protect itself and safeguard its sovereignty appropriately and proportionately, in line with international law and global practices. Since the incident, Thailand has exercised restraint, seeking a peaceful resolution and urging Cambodia to reduce tensions in the affected area while containing the conflict at its origin. Discussions have taken place at all levels, including between the Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers and army officials of both nations, founded on mutual goodwill and the strong relations between Thailand and Cambodia as neighbouring countries and Asean members. Both sides have consistently agreed on resolving the issue peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, Nikorndej, who is also the Foreign Ministry spokesman, explained. Most recently, on June 5, the Thai and Cambodian Defence Ministers met in Sa Kaeo province to find a mutual resolution. Thailand reiterated its call to ease border tensions and proposed a return to pre-conflict military deployments to reduce the risk of armed clashes, which would impact both nations' citizens. 'Regrettably, Cambodia immediately rejected the proposal to adjust troop levels and has continued reinforcing its military presence at the border while refusing to adhere to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for peaceful negotiations,' he said. 'This demonstrates a lack of genuine intent and sincerity in cooperating with Thailand to ease existing tensions and normalise the situation.' As a result, in accordance with the National Security Council (NSC) meeting resolution on June 6 and to preserve security and public safety along the border, Thailand must consider implementing measures to regulate the opening and closing of border crossing points with Cambodia, Nikorndej said. The NSC has assigned the 1st and 2nd Army Regions the authority to determine appropriate measures, criteria, procedures, and timeframes necessary for crossing at all border points along the Thai-Cambodian frontier. The strictness of these measures will correspond to the severity of the situation and Cambodia's cooperation in resolving the issue, he said. The Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasised that Thailand's primary objective is to protect the safety of both Thai and Cambodian citizens in the border regions. 'Thailand once again urges Cambodia to de-escalate tensions along the entire border to prevent unnecessary escalation, which would harm the people on both sides,' he said. Thailand reaffirms its readiness to employ bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) meeting on June 14, and other existing bilateral mechanisms to achieve a peaceful resolution founded on mutual respect and sincerity. The goal is to restore calm along the Thai-Cambodian border for the benefit of both nations' citizens. Col Dr Dangjai Souvannakitti, Defence Ministry spokeswoman, told the press that the Defence Ministry has so far acted in accordance with the Defence Minister's policy. She confirmed that the ministry had exercised patience and pursued peaceful negotiations while directing local units to prevent further escalation. Given that past efforts have not received a positive response, she stated that measures must now be adjusted. Recently, the NSC assigned the Royal Thai Army the responsibility of implementing the plan, she added. Royal Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree further explained that the army, alongside the 1st and 2nd Army Regions, has coordinated with border guards for Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. The army has authorised the Suranaree and Burapha task forces to oversee border crossing controls under a four-step approach: Restriction of individuals: Unnecessary travellers, such as gamblers or those engaged in illegal activities, will undergo screening by local authorities. Time regulation: The operational hours of border crossings will be limited, with necessary reductions in opening times. Closure of unnecessary crossings: Non-essential or frequently abused border points may be shut down, taking local livelihoods into account. Complete border closure: As a final measure, all crossing points may be closed along the entire frontier. While the army has authorised local units to enforce these controls, coordination with all levels of administration remains required. 'The primary reason behind border control measures is ensuring public safety,' Winthai stated. Regarding the number of border points that have already been closed, the Royal Thai Army spokesman stated that verification must be conducted at the local level, as numerous crossings exist, and each area operates differently based on specific conditions and data. The enforcement of these measures, including the progression through the four-step framework, will be left to the discretion of operational units, local authorities, and the Royal Thai Police, he added. - The Nation/ANN
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Can Asean step up? Cambodia-Thailand border clash offers a constructive wake-up call — Phar Kim Beng
JUNE 8 — As Asean grapples with the prolonged crisis in Myanmar, another challenge has emerged from within its own ranks — one that, if handled wisely, could help the regional bloc mature into a more credible conflict manager. The recent fatal border skirmish between Cambodia and Thailand near the long-contested Preah Vihear Temple area has once again brought historic grievances to the surface. A Cambodian soldier was reportedly shot dead by Thai forces in May 2025 during a patrol near the disputed 'Emerald Triangle' zone. In response, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced his intention to bring the matter before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), even without Thai consent. While this incident could deepen bilateral mistrust, it also presents an opportunity for Asean — currently chaired by Malaysia — to prove that it is more than a ceremonial organisation. It could become a catalyst for building stronger regional mechanisms to deal with disputes that have too often been left to fester. A constructive lens on a historic dispute The Cambodia-Thailand dispute over Preah Vihear is not new. The ICJ ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia, but the surrounding 4.6 square kilometres remained contested. Armed clashes erupted between 2008 and 2011, prompting Asean to step in diplomatically for the first time in a military stand-off between its members. That moment led to quiet shuttle diplomacy and a cooling of tensions. Now, in 2025, the situation threatens to escalate once more. But unlike in previous episodes, Asean has tools — however underused — that could be activated constructively. Asean's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) includes a rarely invoked High Council for dispute settlement. Its Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM+) offer platforms for dialogue. The Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation could also play a mediating role. So why not use them? From paralysis to pragmatism One major obstacle has always been Asean's consensus principle and its tradition of non-interference. But growing intra-regional disputes — whether over Myanmar's humanitarian crisis, South China Sea claims, or now a live-fire incident between neighbours — demand more pragmatic engagement. Malaysia, as Asean Chair in 2025, is well-positioned to lead. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has already taken moral and strategic positions on global issues, from Palestine to Myanmar. Here, he could initiate a special meeting of Asean foreign ministers or even convene the High Council under TAC to mediate the dispute. This would not be about choosing sides, but about reinforcing Asean's ability to prevent escalation. A fact-finding mission, bilateral talks under Asean's auspices, or even a confidence-building agreement on joint patrolling of the disputed area could help cool tempers and restore dialogue. A lesson in equal treatment The current episode also offers a chance to re-examine Asean's uneven diplomatic responses. Cambodia was among the members that argued for quiet diplomacy in Myanmar. Now, as it seeks international adjudication for its own grievances, Asean must demonstrate it applies consistent standards for all. This isn't hypocrisy — it's evolution. The willingness of Cambodia to elevate the issue to the ICJ reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia: legal norms and international institutions are increasingly seen as valid channels for conflict resolution. Asean should not be threatened by this. Instead, it can play a bridging role — facilitating dialogue while respecting legal pathways pursued by its members. Moreover, Asean must avoid letting external alignments complicate the issue. Cambodia's close ties with China and Thailand's alliance with the United States may add geopolitical layers to the dispute, but they need not define it. What matters is Asean's ability to respond constructively and neutrally. Turning a challenge into a blueprint Handled correctly, this border crisis could provide a blueprint for Asean in responding to future internal tensions. It would send a clear message that Asean is capable of: Convening early warning mechanisms for conflict de-escalation; Acting as a diplomatic facilitator even without binding powers; Strengthening regional solidarity through principled neutrality. Importantly, it would reinforce Asean's role in preserving peace not just as an aspiration, but as a practice. This is not about solving the Preah Vihear dispute overnight. It is about setting a precedent: that no internal tension is too small — or too sensitive — for Asean to engage with diplomatically. Conclusion: A constructive crossroads In the shadow of Myanmar, it is easy to forget that Asean faces multiple, layered challenges. The Cambodia-Thailand incident is not just a local flare-up; it is a reminder that Asean's credibility starts with its ability to manage disputes within its own family. Rather than retreat behind silence or soft statements, Asean can turn this moment into one of constructive diplomacy. Malaysia, as Asean Chair, has a chance to lead by example. The choice is Asean's. With foresight and firmness, this crisis can be the beginning of a stronger, more responsive Southeast Asian community. * Phar Kim Beng, PhD, is Professor of Asean Studies at the International Islamic University Malaysia and author of The Future of Asean in the Indo-Pacific Order. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
PM urges Asean-GCC to act on Gaza
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