Raising the retirement age to 65 is a step backward for future generations
RECENTLY, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said suggested that Malaysia should consider raising the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65. Although she expressed this as a personal view, it has stirred public concern, particularly among the younger generation.
The minister believes it is a loss when capable individuals are required to retire at 60 while they are still productive and energetic.
With full respect to the minister and her generation, I believe this suggestion is misguided and misrepresenting the younger generation. Increasing the retirement age may seem like a practical idea on the surface, but in reality, it creates long-term consequences that primarily affect young people who are trying to enter or progress within the workforce.
We recognise and appreciate the decades of service and knowledge that senior professionals bring. There is no denying that they have helped build the industries and institutions we rely on today.
However, there is a time for everyone to contribute and a time to step aside so others can lead. Keeping older workers in the same positions for longer will only reduce opportunities for career growth among the younger workforce.
Today's economy is driven by adaptability, digital literacy and innovation. These qualities are often strongest among younger professionals who have been trained with current technologies, tools and thinking.
If older workers remain in positions of leadership or influence without rotation, organisations risk becoming stagnant. Opportunities for promotion disappear. Entry-level positions remain blocked. Graduates are left unemployed or underemployed despite being ready and eager to work.
This creates a bottleneck in the system. Middle managers cannot move up. Fresh graduates cannot get in. It affects the entire professional pipeline.
Over time, this discourages ambition, creates workplace resentment and forces many to seek employment overseas or in industries that do not match their qualifications.
The issue also reflects deeper social concerns.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, birth rates among younger Malaysians have dropped by 11 per cent. Young people are postponing marriage and parenthood.
Financial insecurity, stagnant wages and unaffordable housing all play a part. Many of us cannot even afford to think about sex, let alone plan for a family.
When the cost of living rises but wages remain low, and jobs are scarce because older workers are not retiring, how can young adults be expected to build stable lives?
We must also recognise that energy levels and productivity do not stay the same with age. While some people may remain mentally sharp at 65 and beyond, others may struggle to meet the demands of a fast-changing professional environment.
Holding on to roles longer than necessary can also negatively affect efficiency and the overall growth of organisations. It may even compromise the wellbeing of those who feel pressured to continue working when they would prefer to retire.
A better solution would be to offer more flexible arrangements. Senior workers who wish to continue contributing can take on part-time roles, consultancy positions or serve as mentors to younger employees. This allows them to share their experience while making room for fresh perspectives and leadership.
This principle of renewal should also apply to politics. If we believe that people beyond 60 are still capable of contributing, then we should also ask whether those same individuals should continue to hold political office.
Malaysia must start creating more space for new leaders. Parliamentary and state seats should not be held for life. We must begin to ask the uncomfortable question. How did we allow our nation to be governed by a nonagenarian a few years ago?
Age does not automatically disqualify a person from leadership. But we must accept that younger leaders bring different ideas, experiences and energy that are more aligned with the current challenges we face.
Holding on to power and refusing to transition leadership creates a disconnect between governance and the people it is meant to serve.
It is contradictory to raise the retirement age in the workforce while keeping political positions tightly held by the same individuals year after year.
Change requires new faces. A country cannot move forward if it clings to the past.
Extending the retirement age might offer short-term financial relief by postponing pension payments. But it will likely deepen youth unemployment and make young people feel that they have no stake in the future of their own country.
This is not sustainable.
We must find a balanced and fair way forward. Let those who have served the nation with dignity enjoy their retirement. Let them remain involved if they wish, but not at the expense of the next generation's progress.
We need policies that support young people's growth while still respecting the contributions of those who came before them.
A nation that refuses to let go is a nation that stops moving. If we truly care about shared prosperity, we must ensure shared opportunity. That starts with making space for new leadership, new ideas and new energy.
Muhammad Naim Muhamad Ali, PhD, also known by the moniker Naim Leigh, is a Communication and Media Studies lecturer at the University of Wollongong Malaysia. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.
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Rakyat Post
an hour ago
- Rakyat Post
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Subscribe to our FREE The motorcycle market in Malaysia used to be dominated by Japanese manufacturers, with Honda and Yamaha being the most common brands you see on the streets. Riders who seek more premium two-wheeled machines (at least in name) have the option of choosing from brands such as Germany's BMW, Italy's Ducati, UK's Triumph, or America's Harley-Davidson. But recently, China has kicked down the figurative door into the motorcycle market and laid a whole bunch of options for riders everywhere, and at much more attractive prices. Cruisers, roadsters, scooters. You want it, they have it The variety of different bikes for all types of riding and choices of engine capacities Chinese motorcycle manufacturers have splayed into dealerships today is mind-blowing. Looking for a cruiser bike similar to a Harley-Davidson? They have it. Need a supersport motorcycle to blast on the track on weekends? They also have it. Patagonian Eagle 250 produced by Keeway, a brand under Qianjiang Motorcycle. Oh you're looking for a cute little scooter to putter around town and go cafe-hopping like a proper hipster? Well, they have those too. Although many of these shiny new Made-In-China motorcycles have not yet reached the highly-trusted status of their Western and Japanese counterparts, the fact that many riders around the globe are talking about them gives these underdog bikes a fighting chance to be a garage staple. For now, let's look at what various Chinese motorbike manufacturers today are offering by category. Touring and adventure motorcycles This segment is getting increasingly popular among Malaysians, since we find great joy in road trips thanks to the many beautiful destinations we can go to in our tropical slice of paradise. Aside from abundant natural wonders, let's not forget that Malaysians are willing to travel kilometers upon kilometers just to find their favourite local foods. CFMOTO A popular choice these days is the CFMOTO 450MTX and 800MT. These two bikes are said to be very capable touring machines, although the former is geared more towards off-roading (then again, with the condition of Malaysian roads, we're basically doing off-road riding all the time). The CFMOTO 450MTX. Upright seating positions, tall ground clearance, and enough power to take on Malaysian highways and back roads, the MT series by CFMOTO has all the comfort and safety features (dual-channel ABS, traction control) you need to tackle adventures, big or small. What do they cost? The smaller, lighter 450MTX typically starts around RM28,888 whereas the 800MT has a base price of RM33,888. CFMOTO 800MT (touring spec). How do their prices compare to popular European adventure tourers? Well the granddaddy of touring motorcycles, the BMW 1300 GS will set you back with a recommended retail price of RM138,500. Voge Voge DS900X touring motorcycle. Alternatively, the Voge DS900X is a newer entry in the Chinese touring bike scene with even more bells and whistles such as a built-in front dashcam, 7-inch TFT instrument panel, spotlights, keyless ignition, and USB-C and USB-A charging ports. These all come in the stock version of the Voge DS900X, by the way, all for RM49,998. Zontes Zontes ZT310T1. Arguably the cheapest option for a Chinese-made adventure motorcycle in the market now, the Zontes ZT310T1 is a small-displacement tourer you can own for a base price of RM22,000. It has all the tech you need on a modern long-distance machine such as a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), comfortable Asian-fit seat height, and two riding modes (fuel-saving and sport). Sportbikes Ah yes, the exciting sportbike and supersport category – the dream of many teenagers and adults who chase adrenaline and look good doing it. Sportbike enthusiasts can be really spoiled for choice in today's motor market. 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The 675SR-R has a starting price of RM37,888 which is very wallet-friendly option compared to say a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (RM59,900) or a Honda CBR650R (RM49,999). If you want something with a more unique look, say a sportbike with design cues from Japanese racing bikes in the 80s, you could opt for the CFMOTO 500SR Voom. CFMOTO 500SR Voom. This neat little pocket rocket is easily recognised by its twin circular air intakes on the front, which also functions as its daytime running lights (DRLs), and twin exhausts on each side. Its engine is nothing to scoff at either, with a 499cc displacement that provides more than enough power for you to have fun around corners. For those on an even tighter budget, there is the more affordable albeit lower-powered CFMOTO 250S priced at RM17,300. QJ Motor SRK600RC sportbike by QJ Motor. Another brand worth checking out is QJ Motor and their SRK600RC sportbike. 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New Straits Times
3 hours ago
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Myanmar refugee: Prison in Malaysia felt safer than home
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Rakyat Post
4 hours ago
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Malaysians Cry Foul Over MCMC Shutting Down ‘Edisi Siasat' Telegram Channel
Subscribe to our FREE Before we get into the issue, let us explain what Edisi Siasat is. It is a channel on the Telegram app that disseminates unconfirmed information related to alleged misconduct by authorities and civil servants. In essence, it's trying to be a whistleblower platform. Yesterday (19 June), social media blew up with news of Telegram users suddenly being unable to access the channel. According to screenshots shared by users on X (formerly Twitter), the entire chat within the channel disappeared and a message that read 'This channel can't be displayed because it violated local laws (Malaysia) was shown at the bottom. The Edisi Siasat Telegram channel had more than 1.17 million users before it was blocked. Edisi Siasat sudah Arwah… We're in the dark. — Pelabur Bijak 🇲🇾 🇵🇸 (@Pelabur_Bijak) So, what gives? Why did the whistleblower chat group suddenly go dark? The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had earlier filed a civil action against Edisi Siasat, and another related channel called Edisi Khas over Telegram's 'alleged failure to address content that has been repeatedly reported to them'. It said that both channels were identified as spreading content that violates provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which has the potential to erode public trust in public institutions and disrupt social order. KENYATAAN MEDIA MCMC AMBIL TINDAKAN MAHKAMAH TERHADAP TELEGRAM DAN SALURAN YANG MENYEBARKAN KANDUNGAN MEMUDARATKAN DI TELEGRAM. — MCMC (@MCMC_RASMI) An Edisi Siasat 2.0 group popped up on Telegram but users later claimed it can't be found Just hours after the original Edisi Siasat channel was shut down, a new channel took its place on the Telegram app under the name Edisi Siasat 2.0 that quickly gained almost 40,000 members. However, according to recent comments on X, many users say they could not find the channel when trying to search for it. Aisey… what's the link yea. I search kat tele takde. — Jiljangjillu (@jiljangjillu) Checks by TRP found that there is indeed an Edisi Siasat 2.0 Telegram channel with 76,600 members at time of press. Malaysians react to the block and criticise MCMC Many took to social media to express their confusion and share criticism of MCMC's decision to shut down the Edisi Siasat channel. Some even questioned why the whistleblower group was quickly made inaccessible but the the same was not done with pedophile chat groups. I don't understand why they so scared of this ES. They only expose the wrong doings. Nothing else. Is the government protecting those criminals ? — KUMAR (@NAVIN_MARTIN40) READ MORE: Local actress Nabila Huda commented on the fact that MCMC blocked comments on its statement about the action taken against the two Telegram channels. 'MCMC closing the comments on Twitter is icing on the cake. Communication is your job but you don't want to communicate,' Nabila tweeted. MCMC tutup komen twitter is the icing on the cake 🤣🤣 kerja ko komunikasi kot tapi tanak komunikasi HAHAHAHAHHAHA APA SIAL — The Huda (@nabilahudatahar) MACC chief Azam Baki's history with Edisi Siasat Back in October 2021, Edisi Siasat posted It alleged that Azam purchased millions of shares in a company in 2015, questioning how a civil servant was able to afford them. On December 9, 2021, Edisi Siasat's recovery channel (its Twitter channel was shut down in November 2021) Edisi Khas posted a shareholding analysis of Gets Global Berhad (formerly known as KBES Berhad) that detailed the equity of its top 30 stakeholders as of March 31, 2016. This appeared to show Azam as the owner of over a million shares and his brother, Nasir, as that of 3.7 million more. It also posted further documents that appeared to name Azam as the owner of 2.1 million warrants in Excel Force MSC Berhad. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
