IT is common to see comments on social media calling for the abolition of pensions for Members of Parliament (MPs) and assemblymen in Malaysia.
Such comments are often driven by dissatisfaction with the performance of elected representatives and the government of the day.
In principle, all elected representatives in Malaysia receive a monthly salary, allowances and special allocations that enable them to serve the public.
Once they reach retirement age, which is 60, they are entitled to a pension calculated based on the salary they received while serving as MPs or assemblymen.
Pension systems for elected representatives vary from country to country. Some nations have abolished or reduced such benefits in response to public pressure and efforts to control government spending.
Among the countries that continue to maintain pension schemes for politicians are Malaysia, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Other countries have introduced contribution-based retirement schemes, similar to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) system used by private-sector workers in Malaysia.
There are also countries that provide a one-off gratuity payment upon leaving office or require politicians to rely solely on the retirement schemes they participated in before entering politics.
The role of elected representatives also differs from one country to another.
While politicians elsewhere assist citizens in dealing with government-related matters, the extent of their involvement is often different from what is commonly seen in Malaysia.
In countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, MPs typically operate constituency service offices staffed by professional personnel.
Citizens may seek assistance with passport and immigration matters, social welfare benefits, taxation, pensions, public housing or complaints involving government agencies.
In the United States, Members of Congress perform what is known as "constituency service."
They assist constituents in dealing with federal agencies on matters such as Social Security, veterans’ affairs, immigration and taxation.
In fact, a significant portion of congressional staff is dedicated to handling constituent cases.
In Malaysia, however, elected representatives are often expected to address issues such as damaged roads, disaster relief, financial assistance, community activities and applications for development projects.
In many Western countries, responsibilities such as repairing roads, maintaining drains and fixing street lighting generally fall under local governments and public agencies.
Elected representatives primarily serve as lawmakers, policy overseers and intermediaries between citizens and the government.
This helps explain why elected representatives in Malaysia require substantial constituency allocations, which are often provided to MPs and assemblymen who support the ruling government.
Returning to the question of whether politicians’ pensions should be abolished, there may be merit in the idea.
After all, anyone seeking election should be genuinely motivated by a desire to serve the people and contribute to society.
They should not, after being elected, become complacent and enjoy the privileges of office while forgetting the promises they made to voters.
Junhairi Alyasa is Sinar Harian News Editor