KUALA LUMPUR, 3 Sept 08: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) is appealing to the government for a bonus or cost of living assistance of RM750 be given to government retirees.
In a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi dated today, Cuepacs makes the appeal to lighten the burden of government retirees ahead of the Aidil Fitri, Deepavali, Chrismas and Chinese New Year celebrations.
Nevertherless, Cuepacs president Omar Osman thanked Abdullah and the government for paying a minimum pension of RM720 to retirees who had served 25 years and more.
"Basically, Cuepacs has sought the introduction of a minimum pension of RM500 for a service period of less than RM25 years," he said.
When tabling Budget 2009 on 29 Aug, Abdullah announced that government retirees who had served at least 25 years would receive a pension of not less than RM720 monthly from 1 Jan 2009.
About 75,000 mandatory retirees including those receiving derivative pensions would benefit from the move which would involve an additional allocation of RM140 million next year.
Besides, Cuepacs also sent a congratulation letter to the prime minister in appreciation of the bonus to be received by public sector employees.
In the budget speech, Abdullah announced the payment of a bonus of one month’s salary subject to a minimum of RM1,000 to the civil servants. The bonus would be paid in two instalments, namely September and December.
On other demands, Omar said Cuepacs would discuss them with the government through the Public Service Department and Finance Ministry. – Bernama
