Make government processes easier and clearer for senior citizens

I REFER to the article “LPPSA: Loan discharge process is a longstanding practice” (The Star, June 5; online at bit.ly/star_govt).

Regarding the process of transferring ownership rights after a housing loan has been settled, the LPPSA (Public Sector Housing Financing Board) “encourages borrowers to appoint a lawyer” to safeguard their interests.

Why should this be necessary? What is so complicated about transferring ownership rights after a loan has been settled?

The board goes on to say this “should not be viewed as a new obligation or an additional financial burden”. But lawyers, of course, will charge fees and this surely will be an additional financial burden.

The process of transferring ownership to themselves after they settle the housing loan is going to involve mostly senior citizens, and it appears that they will face much difficulty getting this done the current way. However, this process can be made quick and easy and with a minimum amount of paper work if we get rid of the unnecessary red tape.

There are other senior citizen matters requiring clarity.

Pensioners highly appreciate the recent increase in their pensions but there is still much confusion about the future. Is the 2% yearly increase still in force? Can the authorities concerned clarify the issues involved and assure pensioners that they will get a fair deal in line with the rising cost of living?

Senior citizens also appreciate the government’s new 10-year passport; however, they hope a discount will be given to them as the current RM350 fee is too high for the majority – and many of them will not be in a position to travel towards the end of that period.

They also ask the government to consider those above 70 years old as “orang kurang upaya” (disabled) and extend to them the rights the classification entails.

Every effort should be made to make life convenient and easy for our senior citizens. They have lived long enough to contribute much to the nation, now let them enjoy the fruits of their labour in their golden years.

DR PETER JOSEPH PEREIRA

Petaling Jaya