KUALA LUMPUR: University student Abdul Raziq Wahiduddin Jaffri, 20, from Perak, plans to apply for work in the public sector either as a policeman or teacher.
His intention has not changed even after the government announced a review of the civil service pension scheme, which may result in abolishing pensions for future hires.
"Contributing to EPF (Employees Provident Fund) instead of receiving a pension after retirement doesn't seem such a bad idea, provided that we receive a fair amount of government contributions in the EPF account.
"However, we would need to plan our finances carefully so that we don't deplete our retirement savings and leave with nothing in our later years," he said.
With a higher pay scale and various benefits, Raziq said he believed many would still find it appealing to work as civil servants.
He said the salaries must be commensurate with their hard work and services to the people and country.
Meanwhile, legal expert Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla lambasted some politicians who expressed reservations towards the pension scheme review.
He said this showed their insincerity in serving the people by justifying the pensions elected representatives receive.
"As politicians, they should not make such a silly statement as this only confirmed the public's concerns about them.
"It doesn't matter if what you receive is technically gratuity or pension, as long as it comes from public coffers," he told the New Straits Times.
If the civil service pension scheme is revamped for future intakes, politicians should similarly forgo emoluments when the law comes into effect, he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said the review also covers politicians and political appointees for positions with pensions.
He, however, said the matter needed further study and fine-tuning before any decision is finalised.
On the pension abolishment, Haniff said it could be done by amending certain provisions in the Federal Constitution and relevant laws.
"A two-thirds majority is needed to amend the constitution, while related Acts and regulations need to be reviewed by amendments or repeal of the law.
"A committee of experts needs to be established to study different aspects, including the salary, rewards and emolument, as well as the size of the civil service's manpower," he said.
Haniff said this was crucial to ensure that any review of the emolument would not disrupt public services, such as those at hospitals and immigration offices.
He said introducing a good reward system for government staff and strengthening health benefits, among others, would help encourage those intending to work in the public sector.
"The government could use the savings (on pensions) to raise emoluments in crucial fields such as health while looking at cutting down (at agencies) with oversized manpower."