Sarawak youth not in favour of move to up retirement age
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Youths in the state disagree with the proposal to increase the retirement age limit from 60 to 65 in the country.
Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran recently said his ministry would consider such a proposal as was done by several developed countries including Singapore.
He said the proposal would be submitted to the Finance Ministry for final decision as it would need to be scrutinised.
Abdul Qayyum Aman, 25, when met by reporter said he disagreed with the proposal because increasing the retirement age limit would reduce job opportunities among the younger generation.
“When it comes to retirement, there is definitely a vacancy in certain positions.
“So, as the retirement age rises, opportunities for youths like us to enter the public sector become less and are more likely to result in unemployment,” he added.
Meanwhile, for Syahrizzal Arfandy Adam, 26, the idea is inaccurate to be implemented in Malaysia as the country needs a new workforce that can bring the latest ideas in the country’s administration.
“The government needs to leverage the expertise of young people.
“However, it is undeniable that experience is also important in producing quality work productivity. Therefore, the experience of veteran civil servants should be utilised in non-governmental industries such as service and goods production.
“Additionally, civil servants aged 50 and above should be encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship as they have extensive experience and network,” he explained.
Fazalina Sulaiman, 25, said she did not agree with the motion as it would cause unemployment among the youth.
“We have to wait a long time for them to retire.
“We (young people) are desperate for job opportunities and experience, and if the retirement age is raised, we will find it difficult to find jobs especially in the public sector.
“In addition, the productivity of veterans may also decline as they age,” she pointed out.
For Andressen Wan Schmit, 25, the increase in retirement age may affect the productivity of veterans while performing their tasks.
“To maintain productivity within an agency or department, young people are very much needed.
“In addition, I disagree with this proposal as it will contribute to the rising unemployment statistics among youth, especially graduates who are struggling to find employment,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Arzimy Sapian, 24, said the idea is not a wise move as every agency needs the expertise of young people with many new creative and innovative ideas.
“Undoubtedly, the experience of the veterans is important, but every government department needs young people who are rich with new ideas,” he explained.
