Pension Short-changed---how sad!
Yes, it was an ex- PM that promised full pension rights be accorded with a salary revision implementation ions ago.
Then he dropped a clanger. Economy was not good in 1996 and so cannot implement. When the economy recovered he conveniently forgot about it.
Yes, the one-off payment of RM1, 000 has be great for pensioners this year. We have to thank the current PM.
And about the 2% pension increment beginning 2013, it is just a wee droplet in the mighty ocean of runaway inflation. Would not even dent! Boo-Hoo!
So, yes-we are grateful, I grant you that but more justice need to be done.
While Cuepacs is negotiating a pay review for 1.27 million civil servants, the pensioners’ plight should also be considered as pensioners are also affected by the rising cost of living.
The Cheras Pensioners Association, in its 11th appeal letter to the government, requested for the implementation of the revised pension formula for calculating pension based on the full period of service, which was approved by the government in 1996 but was withheld because of the economic downturn. Mudah lupa!
Fifteen years have gone and the pensioners are still waiting. They are not asking for anything new or extra, but just that the promise made 15 years ago be fulfilled.
A total of RM943 million was allocated for pensions adjustments in 1995 and 1996 and subsequently approved by the government in 1996.
During the one-year waiting period, the cost of pension payments has been reduced by nearly 50 per cent because about 10 major government departments have been privatised.
Moreover, nearly 60 per cent of pensioners awaiting implementation of the revised pension formula are dead and the remaining 40 per cent are sick.
The time is overdue for the government to fulfill its promise made 15 years ago.
Are we waiting for Godot?
