Politicians should only get one pension

MANY retired elected representatives are receiving multiple pensions.

If an elected representative retires after serving one term (four to five years) he or she is entitled to a pension.

This is in stark contrast to government employees who have to serve a minimum of 25 years to be eligible to receive a pension.

The elected representative, when he retires would for example receive a pension for having served as a state legislative assembly member, one for having been a state executive council member, one as an MP, another if he was a Cabinet minister, deputy minister and so on.

A government servant, on the other hand, who served as a clerk, an office assistant, office administrator, permanant secretary to a ministry, trade secretary in a foreign mission or even as an ambassador or high commissioner is eligible for one pension only – the highest position he served before retirement.

To serve the country is an honour and privilege and not a chance to enrich oneself.

Elected representatives who need not serve a minimum 25 years like government servants should only be allowed to receive one pension – the highest that they are eligible for.

Elected representatives are not “employed” but represent their electorate.

M. GANESHADEVA

Kuala Lumpur