BTH Podcast: Raising retirement age and PKR congress [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: This week on Beyond the Headlines, we take a closer look at two issues that are quietly, and not so quietly, shaping national conversations.
First, we tackle a question raised by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said — Should Malaysians retire later?
With an ageing population and growing concerns over retirement savings, Azalina suggested that extending the retirement age to 65 could retain valuable talent in the workforce. But is that a practical solution or merely a band-aid over deeper structural problems like stagnant wages, youth unemployment, and inadequate pension schemes?
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) advisor Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan joined us on set.
The episode also focused on a different kind of transition, this time within one of Malaysia's most pivotal political parties — PKR.
As its 2024/2025 National Congress unfolds in Johor Bahru, internal elections signal more than just changes in leadership — they point to deeper questions about the party's identity, discipline, and future in the unity government.
With grassroots shakeups, a surprise bid from Nurul Izzah, and Rafizi Ramli's fiery campaign trail, we discussed whether the party can chart a clear and united course forward, or will unresolved tensions threaten to undermine its reformist ideals?
Watch the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines on NST Online's YouTube channel.
*This episode was recorded on May 23.
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