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New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Raising civil servants' retirement age affects long-term social, economic resilience
THE People's Progressive Party (PPP) Youth Wing registers its strong objection and deep concern regarding the recent announcement by the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, proposing an increase in the mandatory retirement age for civil servants from 60 to 65. While we recognise the government's intent to address demographic shifts and the challenges of an ageing population, we urge that equal — if not greater —consideration be given to the immediate and long-term consequences this proposal will have on the younger generation and the already saturated job market. It may inadvertently obstruct employment opportunities for Malaysian youth, particularly graduates and early-career professionals, who are already facing high levels of unemployment and underemployment. Prolonging tenure within the civil service risks creating a systemic bottleneck, impeding career progression and innovation within the public sector, while undermining national goals for inclusive growth and talent development. Furthermore, at a time when national focus should be on empowering the youth through job creation, entrepreneurship initiatives, and workforce readiness programmes, this move appears to sideline the very demographic poised to drive Malaysia's future. We therefore call on the Public Service Department (PSD) and the government to: 1. Immediately suspend further consideration of the proposed mandatory retirement age increase pending a transparent, youth-inclusive consultation process. 2. Undertake a comprehensive impact assessment, incorporating youth unemployment trends, underemployment data, and graduate employability metrics. 3. Explore alternative measures, such as optional post-retirement consultancy roles, flexible re-employment schemes, or phased retirement pathways, rather than extending full-time employment for all civil servants. We urge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PSD and all relevant authorities to uphold the values of social justice and youth empowerment as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan, and to ensure that the aspirations of young Malaysians are not diminished by this policy direction.
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
PPP: Inaction on racial remarks erodes trust in rule of law
KUALA LUMPUR: The People's Progressive Party (PPP) has expressed concern over the government's decision not to act against two individuals accused of racially and religiously provocative remarks, warning it could erode public trust in the rule of law. "Are we now to tell these citizens that their concerns are inconsequential? That the law is malleable depending on identity or influence? That the values of racial and religious harmony can be trampled without consequence?," PPP president Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan said in statement. His remarks comes after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said told Parliament Tuesday that the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) found that there was insufficient evidence to establish the elements of any offence to prosecute Zamri Vinoth and Firdaus Wong in court. Azalina was asked why both Zamri and Firdaus have yet to be charged in court despite hundreds of police reports being filed against them. The former Federal Territories deputy minister also urged the Attorney-General's Chambers and all relevant enforcement authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent review of the evidence. "We call for legal action to be taken without delay against any individual, regardless of stature, who violates laws that protect the dignity of our multiracial, multireligious, and constitutional monarchy system," he said. Loga Bala described Azalina's reply as "not only disheartening" but striking at the very core of the principles underpinning the rule of law in Malaysia." "At a time when our nation is striving to strengthen unity and foster mutual respect among diverse communities, such inaction on matters involving race, religion, and royalty sets a troubling precedent," he said. Loga Bala said each of the over 900 reports filed represents a Malaysian citizen who placed faith in the legal system and chose the lawful path to seek redress. "This outcome risks eroding public trust in our legal institutions — especially among the youth — and sends a damaging signal that hate speech and provocation can go unchecked, even when the voices of the rakyat are loud and clear," he added.
Malaysiakini
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
PAS leader disrespected Agong, armed forces
Criticisms mount against Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharuddin Muhammad for seemingly taking issue with the appointment of Malaysia's first Chinese lieutenant general. People's Progressive Party (PPP) Youth chief S Sathiah said not only did Zaharuddin undermine the armed forces, he also seemed to be questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's wisdom, who serves as the supreme commander of the armed forces.
Malaysiakini
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
PAS leader disrespected Agong, armed forces
Criticisms mount against Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharuddin Muhammad for seemingly taking issue with the appointment of Malaysia's first Chinese lieutenant general. People's Progressive Party (PPP) Youth chief S Sathiah said not only did Zaharuddin undermine the armed forces, he also seemed to be questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's wisdom, who serves as the supreme commander of the armed forces.
29-05-2025
- Business
A wealthy businessman challenging Guyana's president in an upcoming election faces new allegations
GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- A wealthy businessman in Guyana who was sanctioned last year by the U.S. and who plans to challenge the South American country's president in upcoming elections is facing new accusations. Azruddin Mohamed appeared in court on Thursday after being charged with false tax declaration and under-invoicing a luxury vehicle. He pleaded not guilty. His appearance comes just days after he announced plans to challenge the ruling People's Progressive Party by creating a new party with dozens of candidates as the oil-rich country prepares for a general election on Sept. 1. Mohamed, a member of one of Guyana's wealthiest families, used to be a well-known donor to the ruling party. But in recent months, he clashed with tax officials over an invoice he submitted a couple years ago indicating that he paid $75,000 for a Lamborghini, when the government stated it was valued at $575,000. He was freed Thursday on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court next month for trial. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison. Mohamed, who has been traveling across Guyana to donate cash, vehicles and new homes ahead of the Sept. 1 election, claims he is being targeted for challenging the ruling party. He has alleged that President Irfaan Ali, once a close ally, allowed his vehicle to be cleared from customs with the valuation he submitted. Ali has not publicly responded to those accusations. Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has denied that Mohamed is being targeted and has said that the U.S. supplied the receipt and other information regarding the vehicle. Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Mohamed, his father, their gold-exporting company and a government official 'for their roles in public corruption" in a bribery scheme that authorities said ran from 2019 to 2023. U.S. officials accused the Mohameds of evading $50 million worth of duty taxes on gold exports and under declaring exports involving more than 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms) worth of gold. Their company also was accused of bribing customs officials to falsify and export documents.
