I REFER to “Pensioner wants answers” (Letters, Jan 5). In 1995 Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad agreed that it was fair to settle the claim as requested by the pensioners. The payment was subsequently approved by the Finance Ministry and the cabinet for implementation in January 1996. A circular dated Jan 30, 1996, provided RM943 million for pension adjustment.

Later in 1996, the revised formula for payment of the pensions according to years of service was withdrawn because of the economic slowdown and the prime minister announced that the pensioners would get their dues back when the economy picked up. Although the economy improved later it was not implemented.

The Malaysian Government Pensioners Association and Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services have been harping on the issue. After 14 years, the matter is still on the negotiation table.

The pensioners’ sincere and dedicated services for the government during difficult times cannot be denied.  The infrastructure and facilities were not the same then, as compared to the present, although the country is reaping and enjoying the fruits of their sincere services.

Pensioners are thankful to former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for increasing the number of years from 25 to 30 (360 months) for calculation of pension, increase in the payment of monthly minimum pension and family pension in full instead of 70% previously, to the surviving spouse.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak gave pensioners and widowers special payment of RM500 in December last year and it came handy for all of them. This shows his kind, sympathetic and benevolent approach to pensioners and widowers.

There are not many pensioners left who had put in between 30 and 40 years of service. This means the government need not worry about forking out huge sums of money to make the payments and the amount is within its means.

Source: The Sun – February 3, 2010