KUALA LUMPUR: PKR Youth has commended the decision made by the government to review the pension scheme of politicians.
Leadership council member Hafiq Azfar said the move was a demonstration of the political leadership's willingness to assist the government to manage finances prudently.
"The statement issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, regarding the principled approval to include politicians in the proposed abolition of pensions, is well-received as a demonstration of political leadership's solidarity in reducing the financial burden on the country and assisting the government in managing finances prudently," said Hafiq in a statement today.
Hafiq said the extravagant pensions for politicians have long been a subject of controversy, and is now put to rest with the decisive commitment of the unity government.
"The most significant aspect of abolishing pensions for politicians is to ensure that political leaders lead lives similar to ordinary citizens, ensuring the application of the government's decisions and policies apply towards all groups without distinction.
"Anwar's statement not only proves the principle of 'matching words with actions' but also serves as a strong rebuke to some political figures who spoke about politicians' pensions only after losing power but remained silent when in authority," he said.
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahamd Zahid Hamidi announced that under a proposed new pension scheme for the civil service , new hires in the civil service will contribute to retirement schemes like the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
Today, Anwar said that the no-pension scheme would also in principal, apply to politicians.
"However, this will only be finalised after the study on the review is brought to the cabinet to be decided," he told reporters at Desa Sri Hartamas.