KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry will explore ways to enable retirees to continue contributing as mentors, says Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
The Human Resources Minister said he would discuss ways for retirees to provide guidance and help with the ministry's secretary-general and its agency and department heads.
"We will find a way. Don't worry, I won't ask the government for money. I will find my own way to help," he said in his speech at the ministry's appreciation day for retirees here on Wednesday (Oct 21).
Speaking to reporters after the event, Ramanan said 170 officers and staff from the ministry and its 10 departments have either retired or are due to retire this year.
More than sixty were present at the appreciation day.
Ramanan said some had served for three decades.
"Kesuma's doors are always open. They can come any time. They are still part of the big Kesuma family," he said.
In his speech, Ramanan said retirement was not the end but a new beginning, as retirees could still pass on their knowledge and skills to younger generations.
He also acknowledged that working with politicians was not always easy, as everyone had different views and temperaments.
Civil servants, he said, used to have the same boss for anywhere between five and twenty years.
"Now the boss changes every year. Sometimes two years, three years. It's not easy," he said.
Ramanan also urged retirees to continue learning new skills, including digital technology and artificial intelligence.
"Who knows, after retiring, some of you may become famous influencers. Once you're famous, don't forget to make TikTok videos," he quipped.
He acknowledged that adjusting to retirement was not easy after doing the same thing every day for thirty years.
"I was told that on the morning after they retired, some got dressed and waited downstairs, but the car never came.
"Remember, we retire from work, not from life," he said.
