Elected reps entitled to multiple pensions, Armizan tells Parliament

Photo: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: An elected representative is entitled to multiple pensions, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

"An individual can receive multiple pensions depending on their service under a different Act, ordinance or enactment.

"For example, a person who has served as a state elected representative will receive a pension under a state ordinance or enactment and at the same time, can receive a pension as an MP if qualified under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980," the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said in a written reply to a question by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 14).

ALSO READ: Saddiq: MPs don’t want to quit because of excessive pensions

Syed Saddiq asked if the government would review the pension scheme of elected representatives who receive multiple pensions as a means to save government money.

In September 2021, Syed Saddiq lamented that the lure of receiving multiple pensions amounting to over RM100,000 a month and more than RM1mil in gratuity is why some senior lawmakers are unwilling to retire.

Syed Saddiq suggested the setting up of a special committee to discuss issues surrounding multiple pensions and gratuity received by some long-serving lawmakers

ALSO READ: Politicians should only get one pension

He raised the issue previously when debating the tabling of the 12th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat.

An MP is given a monthly salary of RM16,000 minus perks and allowances while the monthly pay of a state elected representative is between RM11,000 and RM15,000, depending on the state.

Meanwhile, Armizan, who is in charge of Sarawak, Sabah and special functions, noted that an MP who is elected as Dewan Rakyat Speaker will only receive a single pension.

He said the pension for the Speaker will be calculated based only on the calculation of the allowances given to the post.