Hadi opposes gov’t’s proposal to abolish civil service pensions

Hadi opposes gov’t’s proposal to abolish civil service pensions





IN a recent parliamentary session, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang voiced criticism towards the government’s contemplation of non-pensionable civil service positions stating that it contradicts the Madani slogan advocated by the federal administration.

Hadi noted that abolishing pensions for civil servants deviates from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who instituted such a scheme during his leadership of the first Islamic state in Medina.

“An example that should be given attention is the proposal to abolish pension for civil service, which should not have been suggested in the first place and doesn’t fit the Madani (slogan). Because civil servants should be valued not only from the financial aspect but also their service and contributions.

“Prophet Muhammad had also set a reward system (for civil servants), which included a pension. The same also applies to when a civil servant dies, his wife would be given financial allocation,” said the Marang MP in his debate of the King’s royal address at the Dewan Rakyat.

According to Hadi, this initiative was inspired by God’s promise of perpetual rewards for righteous deeds, even after death.

The PAS leader pointed out that this can be seen from God’s promise that those who contributed to the well-being of others, like having built a road or hospital, would continue to get merit from the good deed as long as it brings benefits.

“So, learning from this, the prophet established a pension for retirees who have died by extending the reward to their family members. This is a very interesting lesson to be learnt.”

Moreover, the discourse on civil service pensions was reignited in January when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi disclosed the government’s intention to introduce non-pensionable permanent employment as part of a new recruitment policy for the civil service.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly gave initial approval to review the public service remuneration scheme, pending further assessment of feedback and constitutional considerations by the Cabinet. – March 6, 2024