Members of Parliament who have served for multiple terms seem determined to hold on to their posts because they can receive multiple pensions amounting to over a RM100,000 a month and more than a RM1mil in gratuity, says Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Independent-Muar).

       “That is why a lot of young people are asking why MPs don’t want to retire although they are already old and have served for years.

       “It is because of the excessive pensions. The longer you serve as an MP, the bigger your pension will be. So there are incentives for an MP not to retire early as they want to get more pension payments,” he said during the debate on the 12th Malaysia Plan yesterday.

       Syed Saddiq said such a situation happens when an MP, who has served for several terms, is also a state assemblyman or holds several ministerial portfolios.

       He said it is also similar with regard to gratuity payments for MPs who serve as a Cabinet minister.

       “The government has changed three times during this term. There are ministers who have been reappointed for the third time,” he said.

       “My question is, will they get gratuity payments once or thrice?”

       Depending on the duration of service, a minister may get gratuity payments of more than RM1mil or RM2mil each time he relinquishes his post.

       “All of this must stop,” said Syed Saddiq, adding that such practices are unfair to the taxpayers.

       He added that it is “insensitive” for such MPs not to retire early just because they want more retirement payouts.

       He proposed that a special committee be set up to discuss issues surrounding multiple pensions and gratuity received by some long-serving lawmakers.

       The committee could also discuss the need for new laws to regulate political funding, he added.

       On a separate matter, Syed Saddiq called on the government to consider allowing the use of hemp and marijuana for medical purposes in Malaysia.

       “We do not want Malaysia to be left behind just because discussion on the issue is sensitive when there are detailed studies based on data and science,” he added.

       “I hope the government will table a working paper that is transparent and sincere which is driven by data and science for the approval of the hemp and medical marijuana industry,” he said.

       Syed Saddiq noted that some 40 countries have since approved the use of hemp and marijuana for medical purposes.

       “There are youths who suffer from mental health problems such as bipolar conditions and can be helped with alternative medical treatment,” he added.

       He said the government should have the moral courage to approach the issue based on science and data.