Reform agenda: Unpopular but vital for national progress - Abdullah Sani

SHAH ALAM - Continuation of government proposals to terminate the civil service pension scheme, rationalise subsidies, and provide targeted assistance remains essential for the welfare of the people.

PKR Workers Bureau Chairman Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid said that these agendas are integral to the reform efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Reform is not obsolete. The less popular measures introduced by the Prime Minister are part of the reform agenda.

"Those who oppose should broaden their perspective to understand the rationale behind each decision," he said as a panelist during Sinar Forum Series 437, '25 Years of PKR: Reform vs Perception'.

Abdullah Sani highlighted Article 147 of the Federal Constitution, which mandates pensions for civil servants.

He proposed amending Article 147 to abolish the pension scheme if deemed necessary, advocating for a transition to the EPF scheme, as practiced in many countries worldwide.

"The government allocates RM130 billion annually for pensions.

"Abolishing pensions is a prudent move, benefiting 13 million citizens who contribute through EPF," he clarified, stressing the advantages of the EPF scheme over pensions.

Commenting on the government's decision to provide a three-year interim period for contract workers before transitioning them to permanent positions in the civil service, Abdullah Sani commended the Prime Minister's wise policy.

"Transitioning from a 14-year interim period to three years reflects the government's commitment to the welfare of its people," he added.

Addressing the issue of foreign workers, he highlighted the annual RM3.5 million allocation and advocated redirecting the RM10 billion subsidy to benefit Malaysians in need of additional income.