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Bold move or backlash? Ministers and MPs urged to lead by example in scrapping pension scheme

JOHOR BARU: The proposed initiative to abolish the pension sceme should start with the ministers and the "wakil rakyat".

MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon said they should set an example for the civil service and be on the forefront on the matter.

He said the government should review the decision and to ensure it doesn't solely impact civil servants.

"Indeed, it is true that the financial burden on our government is heavy," he said, stressing one should avoid leaving civil servants "hanging out to dry" on the pension issue.

Ling also voiced his concern about potential consequences, particularly in the health sector.

"Our healthcare sector is facing a serious shortage of staff, including doctors and nurses.

"This issue will worsen if the people are unwilling to serve the government due to the abolition of pensions and contract offers."

Ling, also the Johor Health and Unity Committee chairman, said the salary scheme should be reviewed to ensure the public service remained competitive.

"Any policy must be scrutinised to ensure that it does not adversely affect our country's public services," he added.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government would be introducing a new service hiring policy, which would include a new pension scheme.

He said new hires in the civil service would contribute to retirement schemes such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

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