Latest news with #CUEPACS
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
- Is 65 the new 40? Rethinking retirement in Malaysia, strategy for success or disaster
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. According to the United Nations, a country is considered an ageing nation when 7 per cent of its population is aged 60 and above. Malaysia reached this stage in 2020 as an ageing nation (negara menua). By 2030, we are expected to become an 'aged nation' (negara tua), with 15 per cent of our population aged 60 and above. The causes are clear evidence that healthcare and technology have helped people live longer, while fertility rates have steadily declined. But with these gains come significant policy implications. But is this the right response to Malaysia's ageing population? Will it strengthen our economy or create new challenges? We must consider this carefully. The demographic shift is clear: globally, the number of older people is growing faster than the number of births. Malaysia is no exception. This trend has a direct impact on our productive population. Recently, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said raised the proposal to revise Malaysia's retirement age to 65. She believes that many older Malaysians are still active and capable of contributing meaningfully to the labour market. Globally, the average retirement age was around 65 in 2020, and many countries are already pushing beyond this. For instance, Australia has set its retirement age at 67, Canada and Brazil at 65, and Singapore is gradually increasing its re-employment age from 65 to 70. In contrast, Malaysia last revised its mandatory retirement age to 60 years old. While CUEPACS (Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services) has proposed an increase to 62 for civil servants, the government currently sees no urgency to implement it. These examples clearly show that turning 60 does not mean the end of one's ability to contribute, as being older doesn't mean being outdated. It means having more to offer with experience, wisdom, and resilience. In supporting the statement, a powerful example is the incumbent 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who continues to lead the country at the age of 77. While on the other side of the world, Warren Buffett, at the age of 93, remains the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, after decades of steering one of the world's largest investment firms. However, this perception may not reflect the actual reality on the ground. The number of healthy, capable older adults is increasing, and many of them remain active and eager to contribute. They are not merely passive recipients of care but valuable contributors to the nation's economy. Breaking the myth: Older workers don't steal youth jobs A persistent myth claims that older adults staying in the workforce will reduce job opportunities for younger generations. But evidence suggests otherwise. The employment trends in Malaysia show that when older workers are engaged, youth employment also rises. The same trend has been observed in many Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries such as the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden and Japan. Older and younger workers bring different strengths. While older workers offer experience, maturity and institutional knowledge, younger workers bring innovation and adaptability to new technology. Rather than competing, these two generations can complement each other. Together, they create a well-managed, inclusive workforce that benefits the entire economy. Extending the retirement age should not be seen as a barrier to youth employment or promotion. Many young people mistakenly believe that older workers will block their career progression. The reality is that the number of older adults is increasing, and soon they will outnumber youth. Whether we like it or not, we cannot afford to sideline this growing demographic from the workforce. We will need this group to remain economically active, not just as a social measure, but as a national economic necessity. Our workforce simply isn't large enough to rely on youth alone. In fact, without them, we risk facing a severe shortage of labour in critical sectors. The retirement policies we decide on today will directly affect the same young Malaysians once they reach their 50s and 60s. If we don't act now, they too may face a financially insecure old age. The retirement puzzle: Are Malaysians ready to stop working? Let's be real. Can most Malaysians afford to retire at 60? According to Khazanah Research Institute and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) data, only 36 per cent of EPF members meet the basic savings threshold of RM240,000 by age 55. This amount would only allow for moderate monthly expenses for around 15 years. But what happens after that? Malaysia's life expectancy stands at 78.2 years for men and 80.9 years for women. That means, on average, Malaysians need savings that can last 18 to 20 years after retirement. Without sufficient retirement savings, many older adults face financial insecurity. Stretching the retirement age, with the right support in place, can help ease this pressure and allow older people to remain financially independent. Government support alone isn't enough Under Budget 2025, the Madani government allocated RM1 billion for older adults. This includes RM910 million for older person's allowance, RM10.8 million for older-person activity centres/ Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE), and RM23.5 million for Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) and day care. These are important initiatives, but they are still not enough to meet the growing needs of our ageing population. Should the responsibility of supporting older Malaysians rest solely on the government's shoulders? That thinking would be unrealistic and unsustainable. The conversation must go beyond welfare. We must rethink ageing, not just as a social issue, but as an economic and workforce issue as well. A Balanced and Voluntary Approach Towards Sustainable and Dignified Ageing Raising the retirement age isn't about forcing everyone to work longer. It's about giving those who can and want to remain active, financially independent, and socially engaged. It should be based on individual capacity and willingness. A flexible and voluntary approach that assesses health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and ability to adapt to technology can ensure that those who are able and willing can continue contributing. Working longer is not a punishment. For many, it is the key to a secure retirement and continued social engagement. We must begin viewing older adults not as dependents, but as a valuable asset to the nation. Final thoughts Stretching the retirement age is not simply a policy choice, but it's a necessary conversation about how we value older people in society. If we fail to plan, we risk leaving behind a significant portion of our population, many of whom still have much to give. It is time to embrace a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to ageing and employment that recognises the reality of our demographic transition and empowers Malaysians of all ages. To the younger generation, don't see this policy as a threat to your place in the workforce. As we speak, we are all ageing. One day, you too will reach that phase and hopefully still be healthy, capable, and wanting to contribute. What kind of opportunities would you want for yourself then? I believe that each pie can be divided accordingly, and there is always a portion for every generation, if and only if we are willing to plan wisely and serve it fairly. -- BERNAMA Dr Siti Munirah Mohd Faizal Lim is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Social Administration and Justice, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Over RM1.5 million in PHEKS 2025 aid approved for 114 Southern Zone applications
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of RM1.5 million has been approved for 114 applications from the Southern Zone under the 2025 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS), said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. He said the amount marked a significant increase from the RM674,000 disbursed for 85 applications in the same zone in 2024, reflecting the growing participation in the ministry's empowerment programmes. 'For the Southern Zone, which covers Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, 195 applications amounting to over RM3 million have been received so far,' he added. 'Out of the total, 114 applications have been approved, involving an allocation of RM1,505,462,' he told reporters after officiating the Southern Zone PHEKS 2025 Assistance presentation ceremony here today. Also present were JHEKS director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) deputy president II Azman Shah Abdul Rahman, and Union Network International-Malaysian Liaison Council (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohammed Shafie BP Mammal. Abdul Rahman said Johor received the highest allocation, amounting to RM703,565 for 61 applications, followed by Negeri Sembilan with RM441,900 for 32 applications, and Melaka with RM359,998 for 21 applications. He also emphasised that the annual allocation to trade unions under the PHEKS programme has steadily increased over the past three years, underscoring the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of unions as strategic partners in the national labour ecosystem. 'In 2023, the government allocated RM2.6 million. This increased to RM5.8 million in 2024, and for this year, RM10 million has been set aside to empower trade unions nationwide. 'We hope this figure will continue to grow, surpassing RM10 million in 2026,' he said. At the same event, Abdul Rahman also presented assistance to union representatives and officiated the launch of two research publications on trade unions titled 'The Role of Trade Unions in Combating Forced Labour Issue in Malaysia' and 'SSPA: Heading to a More Secure Retirement'. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in a statement, disclosed that trade union membership in Malaysia has now surpassed 1 million, with 1,038,435 registered members across 762 unions as of 2024.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Over RM1.5 million in PHEKS 2025 aid approved
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of RM1.5 million has been approved for 114 applications from the Southern Zone under the 2025 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS), said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. He said the amount marked a significant increase from the RM674,000 disbursed for 85 applications in the same zone in 2024, reflecting the growing participation in the ministry's empowerment programmes. 'For the Southern Zone, which covers Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, 195 applications amounting to over RM3 million have been received so far,' he added. 'Out of the total, 114 applications have been approved, involving an allocation of RM1,505,462,' he told reporters after officiating the Southern Zone PHEKS 2025 Assistance presentation ceremony here today. Also present were JHEKS director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) deputy president II Azman Shah Abdul Rahman, and Union Network International-Malaysian Liaison Council (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohammed Shafie BP Mammal. Abdul Rahman said Johor received the highest allocation, amounting to RM703,565 for 61 applications, followed by Negeri Sembilan with RM441,900 for 32 applications, and Melaka with RM359,998 for 21 applications. He also emphasised that the annual allocation to trade unions under the PHEKS programme has steadily increased over the past three years, underscoring the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of unions as strategic partners in the national labour ecosystem. 'In 2023, the government allocated RM2.6 million. This increased to RM5.8 million in 2024, and for this year, RM10 million has been set aside to empower trade unions nationwide. 'We hope this figure will continue to grow, surpassing RM10 million in 2026,' he said. At the same event, Abdul Rahman also presented assistance to union representatives and officiated the launch of two research publications on trade unions titled 'The Role of Trade Unions in Combating Forced Labour Issue in Malaysia' and 'SSPA: Heading to a More Secure Retirement'. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in a statement, disclosed that trade union membership in Malaysia has now surpassed 1 million, with 1,038,435 registered members across 762 unions as of 2024.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
CUEPACS supports King's Royal decree calling for civil servants to maintain professionalism
KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (CUEPACS) fully supports His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's decree emphasising that civil servants must be free from the influence of political parties. Its president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, said His Majesty's decree emphasised the importance of civil servants upholding the principle of loyalty to the King and Country by performing their duties honestly and trustworthily. 'CUEPACS fully supports the decree of His Majesty who reminded civil servants that they must remain professional and not get involved in political struggles that could undermine service to the people. 'CUEPACS believes that civil servants are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities without being influenced by the current political turmoil,' he said when contacted by Bernama. Therefore, Adnan urged all civil servants to continue providing quality and effective services to the people and nation, considering they are the backbone of the government's administration and need to act professionally. 'Civil servants are reminded to remain free from any political ideology in their efforts to maintain the overall well-being of the country under the patronage of the royal institution. They need to be wise in facing challenges and to ensure that services to the people are not affected, even with changes in the government,' he said. His Majesty, in his Royal Address at the Investiture Ceremony for 2025 in conjunction with the King's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara today, also emphasised that civil servants should always prioritise the interests of the nation and people. 'Government officials must ensure that every decision made follows the established rules and regulations, not the whims of politicians,' His Majesty decreed. Meanwhile, civil servants contacted by Bernama also supported the decree of His Majesty and believed it was very accurate and deserved serious attention. Amira Abdul Halim, 36, an administrative and diplomatic officer at the Home Ministry, said that civil servants should not be influenced by any particular political agenda as in a mature, democratic country, civil servants are the backbone of an efficient, fair, and transparent national administration. 'Maintaining integrity and professionalism in the public service to ensure that the policies implemented are based on the needs of the people and interests of the nation, rather than being influenced by certain political agendas,' she said. According to Amira, civil servants must always adhere firmly to work ethics and the value of integrity, with decisions made according to regulations and not political directives, in the interest of good governance to preserve the dignity of the civil service. She said that the principles of the 12 Pillars serve as an ethical guide for civil servants, emphasising 12 core values including valuing time, diligence, enjoyment in work, integrity, responsibility, prudent wisdom, and talent enhancement that must be adhered to. Meanwhile, S. Meettra, who works as an assistant administrative officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said His Majesty's decree should be used as a guideline for both junior and senior officers. 'As civil servants, we need to set an example for future successors (civil servants) that our duties are based on laws and circulars without external interference,' she said. A police constable, who only wanted to be known as Raja, said that civil servants free from political influence are capable of making fair and law-based decisions. He said that a neutral stance can also ensure the implementation of government policies is more efficient and focused on the interests of the people.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
CUEPACS backs King's call for civil servant integrity
KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (CUEPACS) fully supports His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's decree emphasising that civil servants must be free from the influence of political parties. Its president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, said His Majesty's decree emphasised the importance of civil servants upholding the principle of loyalty to the King and Country by performing their duties honestly and trustworthily. 'CUEPACS fully supports the decree of His Majesty who reminded civil servants that they must remain professional and not get involved in political struggles that could undermine service to the people. 'CUEPACS believes that civil servants are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities without being influenced by the current political turmoil,' he said when contacted by Bernama. Therefore, Adnan urged all civil servants to continue providing quality and effective services to the people and nation, considering they are the backbone of the government's administration and need to act professionally. 'Civil servants are reminded to remain free from any political ideology in their efforts to maintain the overall well-being of the country under the patronage of the royal institution. They need to be wise in facing challenges and to ensure that services to the people are not affected, even with changes in the government,' he said. His Majesty, in his Royal Address at the Investiture Ceremony for 2025 in conjunction with the King's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara today, also emphasised that civil servants should always prioritise the interests of the nation and people. 'Government officials must ensure that every decision made follows the established rules and regulations, not the whims of politicians,' His Majesty decreed. Meanwhile, civil servants contacted by Bernama also supported the decree of His Majesty and believed it was very accurate and deserved serious attention. Amira Abdul Halim, 36, an administrative and diplomatic officer at the Home Ministry, said that civil servants should not be influenced by any particular political agenda as in a mature, democratic country, civil servants are the backbone of an efficient, fair, and transparent national administration. 'Maintaining integrity and professionalism in the public service to ensure that the policies implemented are based on the needs of the people and interests of the nation, rather than being influenced by certain political agendas,' she said. According to Amira, civil servants must always adhere firmly to work ethics and the value of integrity, with decisions made according to regulations and not political directives, in the interest of good governance to preserve the dignity of the civil service. She said that the principles of the 12 Pillars serve as an ethical guide for civil servants, emphasising 12 core values including valuing time, diligence, enjoyment in work, integrity, responsibility, prudent wisdom, and talent enhancement that must be adhered to. Meanwhile, S. Meettra, who works as an assistant administrative officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said His Majesty's decree should be used as a guideline for both junior and senior officers. 'As civil servants, we need to set an example for future successors (civil servants) that our duties are based on laws and circulars without external interference,' she said. A police constable, who only wanted to be known as Raja, said that civil servants free from political influence are capable of making fair and law-based decisions. He said that a neutral stance can also ensure the implementation of government policies is more efficient and focused on the interests of the people.
