Syed Saddiq recommends abolishing pension system for politicians

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian Democratic Alliance Party (Muda) President Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has urged the government to abolish the pension system for all politicians and restore the contribution system.

The lawmaker said the pension system appears unfair compared to civil servants who have served longer than politicians.

"I suggest the government abolish this system, including for myself, because civil servants have to work for more than 30 years before they are entitled to receive a pension.

"Unlike politicians, those who have just entered office are immediately eligible to receive a pension for life. Not one but many levels involving the pensions of members of parliament, members of the state assembly, ministers and speakers," he said in a post on his TikTok account on Wednesday.

Commenting further, he also revealed that the menteri besar's salary and allowance could reach RM180,000 per month, which does not include if the politician holds another position in government-related companies (GLCs) at state and federal levels.

"Pension calculations for politicians are unique. For example, I just entered office as a minister, but the pension amount is not based on that but as a member of parliament.

"This is why many old politicians don't want to give up their positions, fighting with young leaders because the longer they serve as members of parliament, the higher the number of pensions for ministers and members of parliament," he said.

He stressed that the proposal ensures no wall separates political leaders from the people.

"This is the new politics that Muda wants to bring; people and leaders are not divided," he explained.