PETALING JAYA: Extending the retirement age for civil servants must balance respecting veteran contributions and providing opportunities for the younger generation, says an MIC vice-president.
Datuk T. Murugiah urged the government to reassess the proposal to extend the retirement age to 65, considering economic, social, and generational impacts.
"While we appreciate the experience and contributions of long-serving public sector workers, we must consider the long-term effects on employment for younger generations and the economy," he said.
"Extending the retirement age may reduce job vacancies in the civil service, limiting opportunities for fresh graduates," added Murugiah.
He added that this could lead to higher youth unemployment and stifle the introduction of new ideas and energy into public service.
"Young talents today are agile, tech-savvy, and ready to contribute to evolving government administration needs," he said in a statement on Wednesday (May 28).
Murugiah noted that prolonging service means higher financial obligations for the government in terms of salaries and pensions, straining the national budget.
"This could divert resources from more pressing development and welfare programmes."
On extending the retirement age, Murugiah said it is fair to allow long-serving individuals to enjoy their retirement.
"They deserve to rest, travel, perform religious duties, and spend quality time with loved ones, enjoying moments they missed during years of service," he added.
On May 20, tMinister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said suggested extending the retirement age for civil servants to 65.
Azalina said this was because many civil servants who retire at 60 are still young and productive.
