Pensioners have described as an insult claims that they are ‘lazing around and a nuisance to society’. They say having dedicated their lives to serving the government and the people, they are within their rights to relax and enjoy life after calling it a day.

MANY older people look forward to a comfortable retirement. But a lack of cash can mean a very different life for them after they leave their pens and clipboards behind for good.As of January 1 this year, retired government servants in the country will receive more benefits, including a minimum pension of RM720 for those having served a minimum of 25 years and a 20 per cent increase to what they are presently getting for those having served 30 years.

But before they can even get to enjoy the new benefits through several bills passed by the Parliament in December last year (plus more in the pipeline), some harsh comments from Post Service Division director, Datuk Yeow Chin Kiong, sparked an uproar among an estimated 595,000 pensioners in the country.

In an interview in the New Sunday Times last month, Yeow angered pensioners by claiming many of them were just ‘lazing around’ and they should not ‘be a nuisance to society’.

Pensioners here as well as in other parts of the country saw red over this unprovoked attack.

Sarawak Government Pensioners Association (SGPA) chairman Saidi Wahie told thesundaypost their members were very upset by Yeow’s uncalled for criticisms.

“I like to say the association feels insulted by his remarks,” he said.

According to Saidi, the SGPA has yet to respond officially because it does not know whether Yeow was speaking on his department’s behalf or in his personal capacity.

“I look at it this way — if it was Datuk Yeow’s intention to provoke and insult us when he made those remarks, then he had succeeded.

“But I also think maybe he’s trying to get some feedback from pensioners through his comments. Perhaps through our reactions and comments, he can come up with some future plans,” he said.

Regardless, to most pensioners, Yeow has crossed the line and Saidi agrees, pointing out that after working for the government more than 20 years, retired civil servants deserve their pensions.

“As members of the civil service, we constantly faced pressures such as meeting deadlines and attending to the many duties of public interest,” he noted.

“When we retire, it’s our opportunity to put our feet up and relax … after all, we’re human beings, not machines. Even machines need repairs.

“What we liked to do or wanted to do all these years but could not because of our work, we now can in our retirement,” said the former director of Forest, adding that a number of activities carried out by pensioners do contribute to society.

Citing SGPA as an example, he said the 6,183-strong association organised activities for members, most of whom from the lower income group.

“One SGPA programme is backyard farming, assisted by the Agriculture Department. Members are taught to plant vegetables and this not only saves them money because they can eat their own vegetables but some of our members are also able to earn extra pocket money by selling their vegetables,” he revealed.

Other activities include internal and external tours, karaoke, and exercise programmes such as poco-poco and ballroom dancing. These activities help keep members occupied and contribute to their well-being.

Saidi said while the association liked to organise more activities for members, it was facing financial constraints, especially with the number of members increasing each year.

There are now around 47,000 pensioners in Sarawak.

On Yeow’s claim that pensioners were ‘lazing around’, Saidi begged to differ, saying a pensioner had the right to choose whether or not to work again.

“Those in retirement, if still active, will be able to work. But as age catches up with us, we may not have the stamina to do what we could easily do during our younger days. Our spirit may be willing but our body may not.

“So is it fair for Datuk Yeow to make such a sweeping statement and label us pensioners as lazy?” Saidi asked.

For 68-year-old Phillip Kueh, it’s leisure over work in his retirement.

“I want to enjoy my retirement and occupy myself tending to my garden and looking after my five grandchildren,” said the former Kuching Water Board technician.

He disputed Yeow’s claim that pensioners were lazy, saying before making such a controversial comment, he should have at least considered the many years civil servants spent working for the government.

“There are pensioners who take up jobs soon after retirement because they have commitments such housing or car loans and their children’s education fees to pay.

“In my case, all my children are adults with their own families. My pension is enough for my wife and I to live on.

“To each their own — in my opinion, the Datuk’s comments are uncalled for,” Kueh said.

Retirement for former State Treasury officer, Robert Kueh, has been ‘wonderful’.

He also chooses to enjoy his retirement by spending more time with his family and occupying himself with missionary work —something, he says, a lot of pensioners do away from the public eye.

“Life before retirement wasn’t easy. I made a lot sacrifices for my family, saving money to send my children overseas to give them the best education.”

The 72-year-old struggled to make ends meet when he was still working.

“Most pensioners my generation did not have the opportunity to study abroad. So we tried to give our children the opportunity we missed,” said Robert who now gets to travel between Kuching and Australia to catch up with his children and grandchildren.

To him, pensioners should be treated with respect because of their contributions to society.

“It’s unfair to say pensioners are lazing around and a burden to society when they have dedicated their lives to serving the government and the people,” Robert said.

A retired civil servant who wished to be known only as Liew said there were pensioners who looked for work even after retirement.

“Not all pensioners receive a big sum of money. The monthly payment is in recognition of the years of service to the government and even then, their entitlement does not automatically mean they are living a good life when they retire,” he said.

“So I don’t think it’s necessary to brand pensioners who choose to relax at home as lazy. It’s just their choice,” Liew reiterated.

One pensioner who decided to take up a job is Poli Seri.

The security guard at Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel said the reason he decided to continue working was that he liked his work environment.

The 57-year-old feels blessed that he’s still healthy and able to work.

“Besides, I feel bored sitting at home. Also, it’s more about work satisfaction, knowing I’m appreciated for my service and I can have financial independence,” he said.

Whether pensioners fit Yeow’s description is debatable.

“In any group, be it in school, association or any organisation, there are bound to be a few bad apples but also plenty of good ones,” Saidi noted.

“So it’s not right for Datuk Yeow, or anyone for the matter, to generalise and judge that all pensioners are the same.”